Good’un
"Good’un" is a Southern and Appalachian contraction of "good one," used to describe something impressive, funny, or well-liked - whether it’s a story, a catch, or a person worth praising.
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You'll hear 'good’un' all over down here, it's a common one. Often about a person - 'he's a good'un.' You'll hear 'good’un' all over down here, it's a common one. Often about a person - 'he's a good'un.' Pronunciation
/ˈɡʊd.ən/
Meaning & Usage
- Something or someone especially good, funny, or noteworthy
You hear what he told the preacher?Ha! That’s a good’un.Origin and Etymology
Comes from the contraction of "good one," a pattern that dates back to early British English ("a fine ’un," "a brave ’un"). Southern and Appalachian speech naturally kept the clipped "’un" ending, giving rise to common forms like "good’un," "bad’un," and "mean’un." The form has been part of spoken dialect in the region since at least the 1800s.
Usage Notes
"Good’un" can describe a person, story, catch, or situation, and often carries humor or affection. Still used daily in conversation all across the South.
- "That was a good’un!" → a funny or clever moment.
- "He’s a good’un." → a good-hearted or likeable person.
- "We had a good’un rain last night." → a heavy or much-needed rain.