What does why mean when it's not a question you're asking?

Question

sometimes people say things like "why, you bought me flowers, thank you" or "why how has been your day" and i cant figure WHY they say why ? what does it mean exactly? thank you

Answer 1

Its basically a word that they use to mean "Oh my!" (in a good way) or "Awwwwww" (again: in a good way) and its primarily used in phrases like he first one you mentioned and ones like "Why, that's so sweet!". Most of the time they are used when receiving something like a gift or a compliment or something like that.

Answer 2

to make them sound smrter than you acutally ARE

much luv

blair

Answer 3

They are using the word "why" as an exclamation, along the same lines of "wow".

For example, "Why . . . I never thought of that!"

Answer 4

to sound happy? idk

Answer 5

It is sometimes used to express mild surprise, indignation, or impatience and is not asking a question.

In your first example, "Why, you bought me flowers, thank you" indicates mild surprise.