Hay vs hey

Photo of author

Grammarist

Hay is grass that has been cut and dried in order to use as feed for animals. Hay is often baled or bound in bundles shaped like squares or rounds. The word hay may also describe a certain country dance. Hay may be used as a noun or a verb, when describing the act of cutting and baling hay. Related words are hays, hayed, haying. Hay is derived from the Old English word, heg.

Hey is an exclamation that is used to attract attention, to express surprise or dismay. In American English, hey is a friendly greeting. In South African English, hey is used for emphasis or as an agreement with another person’s statement. Hey is considered a natural exclamation in many languages.

Examples

You can prevent hay bale or barn fires if you bale hay at appropriate moisture levels and monitor the temperature of recently baled hay. (The Ownenton News-Herald)

When Joey Fresquez, a farmer in New Mexico, near Albuquerque, used to sell out of hay, he’d still be fielding calls from stable owners and ranchers about his alfalfa. (Modern Farmer Magazine)

With haying currently in progress and moving towards completion, farmers are eyeing the beginning of harvest for other crops. (The Idaho County Free Press)

Hay bales have fallen off a lorry and are causing delays on the A35. (The Dorset Echo)

Hey, Clark, ready for your roadtrip? Here are some car prep tips (The Los Angeles Times)

Hey, Barbara Boxer: Market is helping the gender ‘wage gap’ (The Washington Examiner)

“I tried to bring it up and say, ‘Hey listen, these are my thoughts and concerns,’ and they got pushed away because of the business deal that was set in place.” (The New York Daily News)