What You Know Good?

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "What You Know Good?" is a classic greeting meaning "What’s new?" or "What’s going on?" - a way of asking for news or good happenings.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

You’ll hear 'what you know good?,' it's plenty common down here.

Pronunciation

[WHAT-ya KNOW good] /ˈwʌtʃə noʊ ɡʊd/

Meaning & Usage

- A friendly greeting or request for news (expression)

Maggie:

Whatcha know good?

Earl:

Not much - just tending the garden.

variations: What’s New?, Tell Me Some Good News, How’s Everything?, What’s Going On?

★ This greeting reflects a common Southern/Appalachian habit of phrasing questions in a playful, indirect way. Instead of asking "How are you?" or "What’s new?" speakers say "What you know good?" - expecting the listener to share something upbeat or interesting. ★

Origin

Recorded in dialect collections and rural Southern newspapers since the early 20th century. Likely developed as a natural extension of English question forms, with "good" serving as an informal intensifier.

Notes

Still widely heard among older speakers and in small towns across the South and Appalachia. Outside the region it sounds quaint or unfamiliar but is easily understood in context.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "Whatcha know good?" - sometimes "What ya know good?" or "What you know good?" in everyday speech. The "good" is usually stressed at the end.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "What you know good?" literally mean "What do you know that’s good?"

Yes - it’s a playful way to say "Tell me something good" or "What’s new?"

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially in rural areas and among older speakers. It’s also used nostalgically or humorously by younger Southerners.

How do outsiders usually respond?

They often just smile or answer as if asked "What’s new?" - it’s interpreted as a friendly greeting.

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