- An expression primarily used in Australia and New Zealand to convey praise, approval, congratulations (Well done, Good for you).
- Can also be used sarcastically to mean the opposite, expressing disapproval or highlighting a mistake.
Explanation
Origin
- A colloquial shortening of Good on you.
- Part of the fabric of informal Aus/NZ speech, reflecting a culture that often values directness (sometimes laconic) and peer approval.
- The dual genuine/sarcastic usage is common for many informal expressions globally.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Genuine):
- Nice one (UK/Aus/NZ)
- Props / Kudos
- Sweet (as) (NZ)
- Right on (US)
- Attaboy/Attagirl (Use with caution, can be patronizing)
Slang/Informal (Sarcastic):
- Way to go
- Smooth move
- Nice going / Nice one
- Bonehead move (Describing the action)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Genuine Praise):
- Fuck yeah! / Hell yeah!
- Fucking ace! / Fucking brilliant!
Vulgar/Emphatic (Sarcastic/Disapproval):
- For fuck's sake!
- What the hell?
- Dumbass move.
Milder/Standard (Genuine):
- Well done
- Congratulations
- Good for you
- That's wonderful / excellent / great news
Milder/Standard (Sarcastic):
- Oh, brilliant. (Said sarcastically)
- How wonderful for you. (Said sarcastically)
- That was clever. (Said sarcastically)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Genuine version is common and generally positive in most casual settings.
- Sarcastic version is strictly informal and can be passive-aggressive or genuinely critical depending on tone and relationship. Use sarcasm with care.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main danger is missing the sarcasm. Tone, context, and facial expression are key. If in doubt, assume genuine praise, but be aware of the potential ironic usage.
- Could sometimes sound slightly dismissive if said quickly or without enthusiasm, even if intended genuinely.
Examples
- Genuine Praise: You got the promotion? Good on ya, mate!
- Encouragement: You're running a marathon? Good on ya!
- Acknowledging effort: Thanks for helping out. Yeah, good on ya. (Can sometimes sound dismissive if tone is flat)
- Sarcastic: (After someone spills coffee) Oh, good on ya. Real smooth.
Dialogue
Friend 1: I finally finished writing my thesis!
Friend 2: Seriously? That's amazing! Good on ya! Must be a huge relief.
Sibling 1: (Walks mud through the clean house) Oops.
Sibling 2: You walked mud everywhere? Good on ya. Mum's gonna love that.
Social Media Examples
- Comment on achievement post: Massive effort mate, good on ya! 🎉
- Sarcastic Tweet (often about politicians/companies): They raised prices AND reduced the size? Oh, good on ya. #Greedflation
Response Patterns
- To genuine praise: Thanks., Cheers., Too easy. (Aus/NZ idiom for You're welcome/No problem), a modest deflection (Ah, wasn't much.).
- To sarcasm: An apology (Sorry!), defensiveness (It was an accident!), awkward silence, or sometimes a sarcastic reply back.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After genuine praise: Ask for more details about the achievement (So how did the interview go?, Tell me more!). Offer further congratulations.
- After sarcastic use: Point out the mistake more directly (Now look at the mess!), ask how it happened, express annoyance.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's a reaction or response to something someone has done or said.
Intonation
- Genuine: Enthusiastic, warm tone. Often rising slightly or with emphasis on GOOD. GOOD on ya! or Good ON ya!
- Sarcastic: Flat, deadpan, or overly sweet tone. Often slower delivery. Emphasis might still be on GOOD, but the delivery is ironic. Often accompanied by an eye-roll or sigh.
Generation Differences
- Used widely across all generations in Australia and New Zealand.
Regional Variations
- Core Aus/NZ informal expression.
- Well done and Good for you are more universal equivalents.
- Nice one is common in UK/Aus/NZ and can also be genuine or sarcastic.