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Gooder Than Grits

Gooder than grits is a playful Southern and Appalachian saying meaning something is especially good or satisfying. It compares goodness to grits, a beloved Southern staple, and uses the humorous nonstandard "gooder" for effect. Likely based on the much older 'Gooder'n Snuff.'

#Southernish  

synonyms: better than anything, mighty good, real tasty

Pronunciation

[GOOD-er thun GRITS] /ˈɡʊdər ðən ɡrɪts/

Meaning & Usage

- Very good or satisfying (simile)

Everyday use
Clara:
How’s that cobbler?

Elmer:
It’s gooder than grits, that’s for sure.

variations: gooder’n grits

Origin

The phrase likely developed in the mid-20th century or later as a humorous twist on the Southern staple grits. The use of "gooder," a nonstandard comparative, gives it a playful, down-home sound. It doesn’t appear in early dialect collections, suggesting it’s a modern folkism rather than a historic proverb.

Verdict: Modern and playful, but not truly Southern in origin.

Notes

  • Used in a lighthearted, often food-related context.
  • Recognized as Southern/Appalachian in flavor but not found in older sources.
  • Appears mostly in modern compilations and humor blogs rather than 19th-century dialect writing.
  • Best seen as a newer folk expression inspired by traditional Southern speech.

Related Pages

Common Questions

What does "gooder than grits" mean?
It means something is very good, satisfying, or enjoyable.

Is "gooder" correct grammar?
It’s nonstandard and deliberately playful, part of the charm of the phrase.

Is this an old Southern saying?
No, it’s more modern-20th century onward-though it borrows from older Southern speech patterns.

Why grits?
Grits are a Southern staple and symbol of comfort, making them the perfect benchmark for "good."

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 18). Gooder Than Grits. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/gooder-than-grits
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Gooder Than Grits." HillbillySlang.com, 18 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/gooder-than-grits.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Gooder Than Grits." HillbillySlang.com. October 18, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/southernish/gooder-than-grits.
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