"hey" as an exclamation

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tulipflower

tulipflower

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Joined
Mar 4, 2014
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English Teacher
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
Iran
Is the word 'hey' a polite form of getting someone's attention. We have the same word in Persian but it's not that polite.
 
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SoothingDave

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Apr 17, 2009
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Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
An "excuse me!" or "sir!" or "madam/miss!" is more polite. But if that fails, a "hey!" is more attention-grabbing.
 
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Rover_KE

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Jun 20, 2010
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Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
It's always impolite in BE.
 
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