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. Pronunciation
[RAHT FAHN] /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."