Good’un
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "good’un" means "good one." It’s used for anything impressive, funny, or well-liked-a catch, a tale, or a person worth braggin’ on.
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synonyms: good one, fine one, good sort
Hillbilly Dude Says...
You'll hear 'good’un' all over down here, it's a common one. Often about a person - 'he's a good'un.' Pronunciation
[GUHD-uhn] /ˈɡʊd.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Something or someone especially good, funny, or noteworthy
Earl:
You hear what he told the preacher?
You hear what he told the preacher?
Ray:
Ha! That’s a good’un.
Ha! That’s a good’un.variations: good one, goodun, good ’un
Origin and Etymology
Comes from the contraction of "good one," a pattern that dates back to early British English ("a fine ’un," "a brave ’un"). Southern and Appalachian speech naturally kept the clipped "’un" ending, giving rise to common forms like "good’un," "bad’un," and "mean’un." The form has been part of spoken dialect in the region since at least the 1800s.
Usage Notes
"Good’un" can describe a person, story, catch, or situation, and often carries humor or affection. Still used daily in conversation all across the South.
- "That was a good’un!" → a funny or clever moment.
- "He’s a good’un." → a good-hearted or likeable person.
- "We had a good’un rain last night." → a heavy or much-needed rain.