Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Political Question

I think that you picked up the 'eh' word from someone in Central Canada eh?

George

I agree the short Canadian-style use of 'eh' is quite efficient, but consider the Americans - they don't use a word at all, they simply raise the pitch at the end of any sentence to ask for confirmation of the listener's understanding. Indeed, they can make ptretty well any sentence sound like a question without the need for wording it like a question, forcing you to nod, or 'uh-huh' in reply. Drives me quite batty actually.

The way you worded your question "it isn't such a bad word is it" is a good example of the English way to achive confirmation of understanding, such as "that blue is a nice colour, isn't it?". Unfortunately, in recent years it's been reduced to one word - "innit?" And as if just to acheive perfect annoyance, "innit" has become disassociated from it's origins, and has become an arbitary noise made at the end of almost any sentence, innit?

Arrrrghhhhhh!!

    Loz

"Loving what is right is different from hating what is wrong and feeling right about it"- Roy Masters

hmmmm, I would say "ain't it?

Hugs
Lori

The use of 'eh' is so ingrained here, that for the most part I've no real awareness that I'm saying it, until someone (like Lori) points it out, each and every time. That is the reason it's seldom seen in print. In conversation, it may in fact be a question, but equally often is used to express a statement where no response is required. The example, "Have another beer, eh." can have a multitude of possible meanings, depending on the intonation:

"Have a beer, eh." could be sarcasm - implying you need one.

"Have another beer, eh." could be a simple statement - something we already know to be true. After all, who wouldn't want another beer!?!

"Have another beer, eh." could also be sarcasm - implying you've had waaay too many already!

"Have another beer, eh?" could pose a question - you look suspiciously like someone who may not actually BE drinking. Why not? (I get this a lot)

"Have another beer, eh!" could also be a statement - go ahead and help yourself, I have many and don't fear running low.


Innit?

Cheers!

mig

Well Brent,

It seems to be getting more confusing re where "eh" started. I've been somewhat convinced that it came from northern Ontario and then there is some evidence that it started in the UK and a friend told me that it started in France and now there may be a possibility that it started in Mexico and has spread to Disneyland.

My Polish neighbour says that we are all wrong and that "eh" started in Russia where there is a high incidence of hearing problems. I won't be able to rest until I sort this mystery out. Sure is fun eh?

George

How did this thread get so sidetracked?

George

Why is it, that I'm not surprised by your reply, eh Ian?

mig

Mig, your post has made me mysteriously thirtsy, but I'll let that go for now...

In essence it seems that you're suggesting 'eh' is rhetorical - after a fashion at least - and I would agree although I know we both appreciate that there is precious little actual rhetoric in its useage.

One thing I find interesting is that as far as I can tell Jeanna only uses it when she's talking about her family and not in any other conversation.

Maybe we could call that situational rhetoric, eh?

    Loz

"Loving what is right is different from hating what is wrong and feeling right about it"- Roy Masters