heigh-ho

[ hahy-hoh, hey- ]

/ ˈhaɪˈhoʊ, ˈheɪ- /

(an exclamation of surprise, exultation, melancholy, boredom, or weariness.)

Origin of heigh-ho

First recorded in 1545–55

Heigh-ho for hard work, and lodgings at fifteen shillings a week!

The Independence of Claire |Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
Heigh-ho, thought I, time is flying, and I have yet to look for work.

The People of the Abyss |Jack London
Well, you are very young, and I want to keep you still a boy; but, heigh-ho!

In Honour's Cause |George Manville Fenn
Sure as thar's clams and oysters on them rocks yonder, I'd play fool, an' try an' make it heigh-ho for the parson.

When the Cock Crows |Waldron Baily

I could not sleep, for she was always yawning, and then saying, "Heigh-ho!"

The Three Perils of Man, Vol. 2 (of 3) |James Hogg

heigh-ho

/ (ˈheɪˈhəʊ) /

a variant spelling of hey-ho