'Hey' ( perhaps originally a natural expression) appears to be at the origin of 'hi', while 'hello' seems to have no connection with the previous two terms and a different origin (mainly as a telephone greeting). Hi: greeting, 1862, American English (first recorded reference is to speech of a Kansas Indian), originally to attract attention (15c.), probably a variant of Middle English hy, hey ...
what are the origins of hi, hey, hello? - English Language & Usage ...
'Hey, is for horses' is a complete non-sequitur. It can be used as either a pithy bon mot to jostle a friend, or a snide comment to completely distract and put off a mere acquaintance. Any reasonable person who is non-confrontational and relatively interested in the conversation will more than likely never say it unless you know them well.
differences - The use of "hey" in North America - English Language ...
I am not a native speaker. I really want to know what's the difference between Hi and Hey in writing an email? In daily conversation? Is it too girlish or childish for a man to say hey in his email...
letter writing - Difference between using Hi and Hey? - English ...
It's a personal preference. Both "hi there" and "hi" are informal greetings that can be used interchangeably. That being said, I rarely (if ever) hear someone use "hey there" or "hi there". I would say that those forms have fallen into relative disuse. If you happen to be a Mouseketeer in the 1950's, you may not have a choice in the matter.