Good-fer-Nothin’
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "good-fer-nothin’" is a common saying that means worthless, lazy, or no good. It’s one of the sharpest insults for someone who won’t pull their weight.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Definitely good-fer-nothin’ is one of those everday slangs. Hillbilly Dude Says...
Definitely good-fer-nothin’ is one of those everday slangs. Pronunciation
[GUHD-fer-NUH-thin]
Meaning & Usage
- Worthless, no good person (saying)
Mae:
That boy’s a good-fer-nothin’ if I ever saw one.
That boy’s a good-fer-nothin’ if I ever saw one.
Earl:
Ain’t lifted a finger since he got here.
Ain’t lifted a finger since he got here.- Lazy or useless thing (saying)
Mae:
That’s a good-fer-nothin’ truck.
That’s a good-fer-nothin’ truck.
Earl:
Won’t start even with a new battery.
Won’t start even with a new battery.★ "Good-fer-nothin’" is harsh. It’s almost always about people - and it cuts deep, hitting both laziness and worthlessness at once. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English expressions like "good for nothing" dating back to the 1600s. In Appalachia and the South, it shifted into the slurred, sharper "good-fer-nothin’."
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially among older generations. Often said about men seen as lazy or irresponsible, but can apply to things too.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "good-fer-nothin’." The "for" turns to "fer," and "nothing" drops to "nothin’."