- A parting phrase, often used by someone in a position of authority (like a parent to a child) or affectionately between friends/partners.
- It can mean behave well, but often simply means take care or have a good time.
Explanation
Origin
- Rooted in the instruction for good behavior, similar to Behave yourself.
- Its usage expanded over time to become a general, often warm or slightly playful, farewell.
- It carries a slight nuance of care or responsibility, either the speaker's for the listener or the listener's for themselves.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Keep it real. (Maintain authenticity, stay true to yourself)
- Stay cool. (Remain calm, composed, or generally positive)
- Don't do anything I wouldn't do. (Playful warning)
- Laters. (Very informal farewell)
Milder/Standard:
- Take care.
- Have a nice day/evening.
- Goodbye.
- See you.
Affectionate:
- Take care, sweetheart/honey/etc.
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal.
- Common in family settings or between close friends.
- Can sound slightly parental or condescending if used inappropriately in a formal or peer-to-peer professional context, unless the relationship is very familiar.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take it too literally as an instruction about moral behavior, missing the lighter take care connotation.
- The slightly authoritative undertone could be misinterpreted if the context isn't clear.
Examples
- Parent to child leaving for school: Okay, have a great day! Be good!
- Friend leaving a gathering: Alright, I'm heading out. Be good, everyone!
- Partner leaving for work: Love you, be good today!
Dialogue
Scenario 1 (Parent/Child):
Mom: Okay, the bus is here. Got your lunch?
Child: Yep!
Mom: Alright, have fun at school. Be good!
Child: Okay, Mom! Bye!
Scenario 2 (Friends):
Chris: I gotta run, meeting Sarah for coffee.
Pat: Alright man, catch you later. Be good!
Chris: You too!
Social Media Examples
- Comment on a friend's post about going on vacation: Have the best time! Be good 😉
- End of a chat message: gtg now, talk later! be good!
Response Patterns
- You too!
- Will do!
- Okay, see ya!
- Thanks, you too!
- A simple nod or wave.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Be good!:
- The listener typically responds with one of the patterns above and then departs or continues their activity.
- There isn't usually a direct follow-up question; it signals the end of the interaction.
After responding You too!:
- The original speaker might smile, nod, and then leave or turn their attention elsewhere.
Conversation Starter
- No. This is a closing phrase used when parting ways.
Intonation
- Typically spoken with a light, friendly tone.
- Stress often falls on good, with a slightly falling intonation at the end. Be GOOD.
- Can be slightly sing-songy or affectionate.
Generation Differences
- Used across most generations, perhaps slightly more common among older generations (parents, grandparents) but understood and used by younger people too, often affectionately or ironically.
Regional Variations
- Widely understood in most English-speaking regions (North America, UK, Australia, etc.).