I am not a native-speaker of English. I have noticed its usage in mostly those situations where someone says something and you have no answer and you say "Good for you!". Sometimes it seems sarcastic, sometimes a mild expression of annoyance and sometime a way of ending the conversation. Rarely have I felt neutral about it. What is the true nature of this expression?
2006-12-10 08:57:27 · 12 answers · asked by szhob 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Originally it was used as a compliment.
The more common interpetation is a sarcastic compliment.
Hey I figured out how to tie my shoes
Good for you
2006-12-10 09:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by cowrepo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's all in the delivery in how the phrase is said. The expression could be said in a condescending manner...then that is sarcastic. If said in support than that is not sarcastic. Pay attention HOW the phrase is said . . . the tone of voice. And . . . when you have no ' answer ' as you wrote, then no need to say 'good for you' maybe simply say " hmmmmmm" / " oh, really " / " that's interesting " / I never thought of it that way / etc. etc. etc. Maybe just reply differently. But, any words expressed, it's really in large part the way something is said, not so much only the words expressed.
2006-12-10 17:04:01 · answer #2 · answered by onelight 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on when and how this expression is being used. If someone told me they finally saved enough money to buy a car and I said "good for you" I would mean just that. That's good for you. If someone was bragging about something then I would use it sarcastically.
2006-12-10 17:01:52 · answer #3 · answered by Nicole M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be sarcastic. depends on the tone and mood of the conversation and the one saying it. If someone just announces that they have great news, a friend might say, "Good for you!" If the person saying, "Good for you!" is jealous or hostile toward the person, then yes it would be very sarcastic and rude. hope I helped=)
2006-12-10 17:01:04 · answer #4 · answered by 77684 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the context it is used in - many times it would be meant sarcastically however I know people who genuinely say and mean that particular statment.
2006-12-10 16:59:59 · answer #5 · answered by zappafan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be sarcastic or genuine praise. You'll know by the tone of the person saying it.
2006-12-10 17:06:17 · answer #6 · answered by Smurfetta 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a nicer way of saying "Aha, yeah whatever, that's nice. I'm busy so I'm only pretending to care. Or I don't think what you did was that great. I doesn't interest me." I don't like that expression and I never use it!
2006-12-10 17:03:00 · answer #7 · answered by Luis DLC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is sarcastic actually, but there are alot of people who say it and mean it.
2006-12-10 17:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by Just Dance 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I use it to be sarcastic if sumone is bragging or says summin stupid
2006-12-10 16:59:46 · answer #9 · answered by tyty_loves_matty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on when and how it is said. And also the entonation, of course.
2006-12-10 18:05:45 · answer #10 · answered by Martha P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋