Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
I say. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
I say, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
I say in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
I say you have here. The definition of the word
I say will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
I say, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Interjection
I say
- (British, dated) An exclamation of surprise or protest.
- I say, what is the meaning of this?
1991, Stephen Fry, chapter III, in The Liar, London: William Heinemann, →ISBN, page 26:Adrian thought it worth while to try out his new slang. ‘I say, you fellows, here's a rum go. Old Biffo was jolly odd this morning. He gave me a lot of pi-jaw about slacking and then invited me to tea. No rotting! He did really.’
- Used for emphasis, or when resuming after diversion or interruption.
1823, William Wilberforce, Appeal to the Religion, Justice and Humanity of the Inhabitants of the British Empire in Behalf of the Negro Slaves in the West Indies:When such men as Mr. Burke, Mr. Dundas, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Windham, and my Lord Grenville: when such men as these unreservedly and repeatedly avowed their sentiments on the condition of the Slave; when they saw no danger in the avowal; […] when, I say, these men thus thought, spoke, and acted […]
1847 January – 1848 July, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 63, in Vanity Fair , London: Bradbury and Evans , published 1848, →OCLC:But when Amelia came down with her kind smiling looks (Rebecca must introduce her to her friend, Miss Crawley was longing to see her, and was too ill to leave her carriage)—when, I say, Amelia came down, the Park Lane shoulder-knot aristocracy wondered more and more that such a thing could come out of Bloomsbury; […]
1912, Clarence Young, The Motor Boys on the Wing: Or, Seeking the Airship Treasure, page 63:"Stop! Stop I say!" ordered the professor imperiously.
Synonyms
Descendants
Anagrams