Right Fine
In Southern and Appalachian speech, "right fine" means "very good" or "doing well." The word "right" is used as an intensifier-just like "real" or "mighty."
synonyms: real good, mighty fine, very good, doing well
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I haven't heard 'right fine' in a long time. I'm thinking this may be a more old timers phrase nowadays. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I haven't heard 'right fine' in a long time. I'm thinking this may be a more old timers phrase nowadays. Pronunciation
[RAHT FAHN]
/raɪt faɪn/
/raɪt faɪn/
Meaning & Usage
- Very good; doing well (adjective / phrase)
Neighbor:
How you feelin’ today?
How you feelin’ today?
Papaw:
Right fine, thank ya.
Right fine, thank ya.variations: none
Origin and Etymology
The pattern of using "right" as an intensifier comes from early Scots-Irish and British English brought into the American South and Appalachian Mountains. Expressions like "right good," "right cold," and "right fine" have been part of mountain talk since the 1800s.
Usage Notes
Still common across the South and Appalachia, especially among older generations. Can describe a person’s well-being, food, or workmanship.
- "That stew was right fine." - meaning "very good."
- "We’re doin’ right fine." - meaning "we’re doing well."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 4). Right Fine. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/right-fine
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Right Fine." HillbillySlang.com, 4 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/right-fine.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Right Fine." HillbillySlang.com. October 4, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/right-fine.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...