arre
A multipurpose exclamation expressing surprise, emphasis, mild reproach or affectionate exasperation.
Definitions
A multipurpose exclamation expressing surprise, emphasis, mild reproach or affectionate exasperation. From Hindi अरे, also written 'arrey' or 'are'. Often doubled or tripled for stronger effect ("arre arre arre!" to flag escalating disbelief). In South Asian English speech and code-switched chat it functions like "hey", "oh come on" or "good grief" depending entirely on tone. Comfortable at the start of a sentence ("Arre, you came!") or as a standalone reaction. One of the most recognisable particles of Hindi-English code-switching and instantly read as "this speaker is desi".
Arre yaar, kya kar raha hai? I have been calling you for one hour.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
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Related terms
Semantically related
- arrey81%
(India) Expressing surprise or alarm; hey.
- arey80%
Hindi/Urdu exclamation: "hey!" or "wait!" Expresses surprise, mild protest, or getting someone's attention. "Arey, what are you doing?" Works across South Asian languages and has entered Indian English as a complete utterance on its own.
- arey mode69%
A state of heightened, expressive exasperation where someone is reacting to everything with vocal disbelief, dramatic sighs, and rapid-fire commentary — essentially operating with full arey energy at all times. When someone is in arey mode, they're not just occasionally surprised or annoyed; they've committed to performing their reactions out loud, loudly, to everyone around them. It's the vibe of a South Asian auntie who has opinions about everything, or a group chat that will not let a single thing slide without a chorus of 'AREY.' Both chaotic and deeply entertaining.
- kya64%
Hindi क्या meaning "what", but in South Asian English it survives as an emphasis particle and rhetorical opener rather than a literal question word. Often paired with "yaar" or "bhai" to register exasperation ("Kya yaar!"), surprise ("Kya bolti tu?") or mock outrage ("Kya scene hai?"). Can also appear sentence-finally to convert a statement into a tag question, similar to English "right?" or "no?". Heavily code-switched into Indian English speech and chat; reading the tone matters more than translating the word literally.
- 'ere63%
(British, slang) , used for emphasis at the beginning of a sentence when expressing an opinion or want.