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06-24-2006, 11:51 AM maestrowork vbmenu_register("postmenu_666595", true);
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Good for/on you
What's the difference between "good for you" and "good on you"? As in:
You gave money to the poor? Good for you!
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06-24-2006, 11:57 AM poetinahat vbmenu_register("postmenu_666604", true);
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From my observation here, "Good on you" (or simply "onya") can be a synonym for "Good for you". But it's also used in a more generic sense: "well done", or a general preface to indicate "you're a good guy".
I've also heard it used ironically, indicating "what a wanker".
A native Aussie might do a better job explaining that distinction, but there's my effort.
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06-24-2006, 01:40 PM Puma vbmenu_register("postmenu_666774", true);
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Whoa! I have never heard "good on you" as an equivalent of good for you. Around here good on you is only used in the sense of "the dress looks good on you". Another regionalism? Puma
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06-24-2006, 02:04 PM reph vbmenu_register("postmenu_666816", true);
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"Good on you" is originally Australian. See discussion at Phrase Finder:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_b...sages/375.html
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06-24-2006, 10:06 PM pianoman5 vbmenu_register("postmenu_667656", true);
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That link pretty well sums it up. As an ex-Pom, I don't recall hearing 'Good on you' before I came to live in Australia.
It's useful because it's a multi-purpose expression of goodwill. While its main use is as a compliment for a worthy deed, it can also be used to express approval to someone who is the lucky beneficiary of a situation. I've even heard it used as a catch-all accolade in beer-soaked, maudlin conversations between male friends, as in:
'Good on ya, maaaate. I love you, maaate.'
And as the link points out, it's always 'good on ya', even from the mouths of otherwise speech-correct Australians. I suspect it's because it usually has an underlying tone of affection and therefore deserves to be informal. Let's hear it for the schwa!
Last edited by pianoman5 : 06-24-2006 at 10:13 PM.
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06-24-2006, 10:16 PM maestrowork vbmenu_register("postmenu_667676", true);
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The thing is, I've heard Americans use it and I was confused. I always thought it was "good for you."
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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. -- Marianne Williamson.
My novel, The Pacific Between (2006 IPPY Finalist), is now available: Click here. Visit my site and my blog
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06-24-2006, 10:22 PM pianoman5 vbmenu_register("postmenu_667689", true);
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You can probably blame Paul Hogan and 'Crocodile Dundee' for its entry into America. Or Steve Irwin.
What is it about crocodiles?
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06-24-2006, 11:18 PM reph vbmenu_register("postmenu_667776", true);
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maestrowork
I always thought it was "good for you."
It always used to be.
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recruiting fresh firemen
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Good for/on you
What's the difference between "good for you" and "good on you"? As in:
You gave money to the poor? Good for you!
__________________
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. -- Marianne Williamson.
My novel, The Pacific Between (2006 IPPY Finalist), is now available: Click here. Visit my site and my blog
Buck up, champion!
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Bring on the Azzurri. Bring 'em on.
Posts: 5,563
From my observation here, "Good on you" (or simply "onya") can be a synonym for "Good for you". But it's also used in a more generic sense: "well done", or a general preface to indicate "you're a good guy".
I've also heard it used ironically, indicating "what a wanker".
A native Aussie might do a better job explaining that distinction, but there's my effort.
__________________
Grammar is the bones of language.
-- Medievalist
Board fanatic
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: near Columbus Ohio
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Whoa! I have never heard "good on you" as an equivalent of good for you. Around here good on you is only used in the sense of "the dress looks good on you". Another regionalism? Puma
Dances with Words
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chair
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"Good on you" is originally Australian. See discussion at Phrase Finder:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_b...sages/375.html
Means well
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 193
That link pretty well sums it up. As an ex-Pom, I don't recall hearing 'Good on you' before I came to live in Australia.
It's useful because it's a multi-purpose expression of goodwill. While its main use is as a compliment for a worthy deed, it can also be used to express approval to someone who is the lucky beneficiary of a situation. I've even heard it used as a catch-all accolade in beer-soaked, maudlin conversations between male friends, as in:
'Good on ya, maaaate. I love you, maaate.'
And as the link points out, it's always 'good on ya', even from the mouths of otherwise speech-correct Australians. I suspect it's because it usually has an underlying tone of affection and therefore deserves to be informal. Let's hear it for the schwa!
Last edited by pianoman5 : 06-24-2006 at 10:13 PM.
recruiting fresh firemen
Mod Squad Member
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The thing is, I've heard Americans use it and I was confused. I always thought it was "good for you."
__________________
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. -- Marianne Williamson.
My novel, The Pacific Between (2006 IPPY Finalist), is now available: Click here. Visit my site and my blog
Means well
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 193
You can probably blame Paul Hogan and 'Crocodile Dundee' for its entry into America. Or Steve Irwin.
What is it about crocodiles?
Dances with Words
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chair
Posts: 4,873
Quote:
Originally Posted by maestrowork
I always thought it was "good for you."
It always used to be.