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.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

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.

Earl:

Ain’t lifted a finger since he got here.

- Lazy or useless thing (saying)

Mae:

That’s a good-fer-nothin’ truck.

Earl:

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’."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is it always an insult?

Yes - "good-fer-nothin’" is meant to put someone (or something) down.

Is it different from "no count"?

Very similar - both mean worthless, but "good-fer-nothin’" is harsher and more biting.

Do people still say it today?

Absolutely, though you’ll hear it most among older speakers or when someone’s real frustrated.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Good-fer-Nothin’. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/good-for-nothing
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Good-fer-Nothin’." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/good-for-nothing.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Good-fer-Nothin’." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/good-for-nothing.