Etymograph

English

hi

Hi is American English, first recorded in 1862, probably a variant of Middle English hey.

  1. Middle Englishc. 1150–1500heyuncertain
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1862hi

attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed

Lineage

  1. Middle Englishc. 1150–1500heyuncertain
  2. Englishearliest quotation 1862hi

Earliest quotation: 1862, Miriam Davis Colt, Went to Kansas: “When out on the prairie, up galloped an Indian…”

first attested First recorded reference is to speech of a Kansas Indian (1862); originally to attract attention, probably a variant of Middle English hey, hy (circa 1475) (as stated in the etymology)

The story

First recorded reference is to speech of a Kansas Indian (1862); originally to attract attention, probably a variant of Middle English hey, hy (circa 1475).

Linked words

through Middle English hey

hey, hay

Today it means

intj A friendly, informal, casual greeting said upon someone's arrival.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / Middle English hey / hi

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