but hey
Dismissive optimistic pivot
But hey is a conversational pivot that acknowledges a negative before shifting to something positive or dismissive.
It softens transitions between complaint and acceptance: The pay is terrible, but hey, at least I like my coworkers.
Sometimes it introduces a shrug of resignation: But hey, what can you do?
- incidentallyIntroducing a tangent
- anywayIn any case
- thoughConcession marker
- stillUnmoving, or continuing
- moving onProceeding past something
just saying · yet · granted · oh well · it is what it is · whatever · at least · on the bright side · silver lining · fair enough · on the other hand · so what · no worries · by the way · you know what · that's life · c'est la vie · even so
but heynevertheless
Despite what preceded
nonetheless · be that as it may · notwithstanding · however · with all due respect
but heyunfortunately
Expressing bad luck
sadly · regrettably · alas · tragically · lamentably