A variation of the word "hey." Can be used as a greeting, usually with the syllable drawn out while simultaneously rising and falling in inflection, as illustrated below in Example 1.
Can also be used as an expression of enthusiastic agreement in a conversation, as demonstrated below in Example 2.
NOTE:
One theory suggests that this variation of "hey" was popularized by the character of
Dwayne (portrayed by Haywood
Nelson) in the sitcom "What'
s Happenin'," although
Dwayne'
s usage was three "hays" with shortened syllables, with the inflection on the middle "hay," as shown in Example 3 below.