well I never

Interjection

1. Used as a discourse marker.
   • “So, what have you been doing?” “Well, we went for a picnic; and then it started raining, so we came home early.”
   1. Used as a hedge.
      • “The car is broken.” “Well, we could walk to the movies instead.”
   2. Expressing reluctance to say something.
      • “Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity.1897 December (indicated as 1898), Winston Churchill, chapter IV, in The Celebrity: An Episode, New York, N.Y.: The Macmillan Company; London: Macmillan & Co., Ltd., →OCLC
2. An exclamation of sarcastic surprise (often doubled or tripled and in a lowering intonation).
   • Well, well, well, what do we have here?
3. An exclamation of indignance.
   • Well! There was no need to say that in front of my mother!
4. (Ireland) Used as a greeting, short for "Are you well?"
   • Well, lads? How's things?

See all 40 meanings of well