good-niss!
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Good-niss!" is a common exclamation meaning "Goodness!" It’s usually drawn out with a pause, putting emphasis on the second part.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Pronunciation
[guhd-NISS]
Welcome New Folks!
We aim to get true definitions and pronunciations for ever single word we can find. Plus real-life tales from the hills - some funny, some maybe downright wild.
Meaning & Usage
- Exclamation of surprise or emphasis (saying)
Mae:
Good-niss! Look at the size of that watermelon.
Earl:
Bigger’n I’ve ever seen.
other spellings: goodness, goodniss, g’niss, land sakes, mercy, and my stars
★ "Good-niss" is the hillbilly-flavored way of saying "Goodness!" It’s polite, folksy, and works in place of stronger exclamations. ★