Hehe

/ˈhɛˌhɛ/ interjection, noun

Definition

A written representation of a small, somewhat mocking or embarrassed laugh; used in texts and online communication.

Etymology

An onomatopoeia (sound word) that mimics human laughter. It became standardized in internet culture and texting in the 2000s as a less intense version of 'haha.'

Kelly Says

Linguists studying internet communication noticed that 'hehe' carries a specific social meaning—it signals a nervous or self-aware laugh, making it vastly different from 'haha' or 'lol' despite sounding similar.

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