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6 Answers 6

up vote 15 down vote accepted

Two phrases:

  • "Good for you!"
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Definition from Cambridge Dictionaries Online:

Good for you! (Australian also Good on you!)

used to show approval for someone's success or good luck.

You passed your exam - good for you!

Two additional examples that I extracted from the COCA:





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I'm taking my driving test next month.
Good for you!

I have a new car.
Good for you.


Eating spinaches is good for you.

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"Good For You" illustrates ignorance and arrogance. This is a way for the phrase user to end the conversation because the new information has exceeded their narrow expectations. I often get this response and always when someone has made a generalization about me, but then they discover who I am or what I have done so now it's "Good for You". I find it annoying and belittling, I know that pompous and judgmental people's narrow minded perceptions should not matter, but stereotypes will always continue with ignorance and arrogance. My constant example: "What do you do there (living in the hick community)?" "I teach at the college and opened my own business" "Good for You". What I want to say: Yes... good for me, surprised and rocked your little brain... stop generalizing!

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Good for you... –  Em1 Mar 31 at 10:50

Yes, it can sometimes mean: "I really don't care".

For example if you let somebody know of a sexual conquest you made while out last Saturday night, you might expect to hear it.

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Why are sexual experiences “conquests”? That sounds far too close to abuse and violation for my tastes. –  tchrist Aug 14 '13 at 3:26
This looks a lot like a reply to another answer. Please edit so that your answer stands on its own. –  MετάEd Aug 14 '13 at 4:00

protected by tchrist Mar 31 at 10:49


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