Eh, or as I prefer to think, hey (the h is usually silent, but not always) is widely used by (and misused in the teasing of) Canadians. It is also I have to make a solid effort at NOT using in day-to-day conversation.
I am of the opinion that if you are going to use 'eh, you should use it right (Pepsi's 'Eh O Canada Go cheer is a prime example of a derailed 'eh train).
'Eh is not an audible representation of a question mark. 'Eh is a way of making a question from a statement where agreement is the desired result.
Here are a few simple examples of the right way to use 'eh:
Example: Its cold out, 'eh?
Translation: Do you agree with me that it is cold outside?
Example: This is good, 'eh?
Translation: Are you enjoying your meal?
Even Canadians can mess up 'eh (Ex. Tim Horton's):
Example: I mean, who does that stuff, 'eh?
- This is actually the translation (like on Jeopardy, where they give the answer and want the question) with an 'eh tacked on the end.
Proper use of the dialect: No one does that stuff, 'eh?
You can go ahead and use this for your next commercial or novel about slang-slinging Canadians ;)
