# heh

/ˈhɛ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heh
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. mild amusement

interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal

a sound you make to show you are a little bit amused, often in a quiet or awkward way.

For teachers: an onomatopoeic representation of a short, quiet laugh, often indicating mild amusement, irony, or slight embarrassment.

- Heh, I didn't realize I was wearing two different socks today.
- The protagonist gave a dry 'heh' before admitting that his elaborate plan had failed at the very first step.

### 2. tag question

interjection · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

a sound added to the end of a sentence to ask if someone agrees or understands.

For teachers: a variant of the tag question 'eh', used to solicit agreement or confirm that the listener is following the speaker.

- It's a bit hot in here, heh?
- You didn't think I'd actually find out about the surprise party, heh?

Usage: Typically placed at the end of a declarative sentence to turn it into a question.

### 3. Semitic letter

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the name of the fifth letter in alphabets like Hebrew and Arabic.

For teachers: the fifth letter of many Semitic alphabets, including Hebrew and Phoenician.

- The scribe carefully inked the letter heh onto the parchment.
- In the study of ancient manuscripts, the specific shape of the heh can help date the document to a particular century.

## Examples

- Heh, I didn't think you would notice that.
- I forgot my keys again, heh, so I had to wait outside for an hour.
- The protagonist offers a dry 'heh' before walking away, a subtle vocalisation that conveys more cynicism than a full laugh ever could.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.