The saying 'good grief' is a common phrase that is seen in the English language, and it's most often used as a mock exclamation of surprise – sometimes with humorous context. This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and proper use of the term.
Meaning
The phrase 'good grief' is a common exclamation phrase in the English language.
When someone says 'good grief' the phrase is usually meant as an actual (or humorous) exclamation of surprise at something.
The phrase 'good grief' can be used on its own, or it can be said in response to something that has been witnessed or said in the conversation.
When someone says 'good grief' the speaker uses the saying to express their surprise at something.
The phrase can imply humor, though also be serious when said.
The context of the phrase 'good grief' is usually clear from the rest of the conversation, or its context.
When someone says 'good grief' it is similar to the phrase 'omg' or 'oh my god' as an exclamation of surprise.
There is no denial form of the saying, and it cannot be used in any form to have an opposite meaning (e.g. not good grief).
The phrase is more common in some forms of English than others, and might be more common in UK English than American.
Example Usage
“I was surprised to see that they had put the one thing on the pizza that all of us hated the most. Good grief, I mean, who actually likes to see that yellow fruit anywhere near something with cheese on it?”
“Good grief! You would think my father would be happy after five divorces, but he's about to get married for time number six.”
“He goes really fast for an old guy. I mean, good grief, he's seventy and I couldn't outrun him when he goes for his jog even though I'm just forty-two.”
“Good grief, you won't believe what ingredients the humans are using to substitute for animal milk down on Earth. There's something called almond milk that I'm sure we should be very afraid of.”
Origin
According to most online language resources, the origin of the phrase 'good grief' as an exclamation first occurred in the English Language in a short story by author Raymond Chandler.
The phrase 'good grief' appeared in the story in 1937 to 1938 according to the Oxford English Dictionary, where it is most likely to have come from the story Bay City Blues.
After its use, the term would catch on in the 1940s through its use by other writers.
Once the term appeared in popular media, its use would continue well into the 21st century – with its meaning well unchanged.
The phrase is more popular in some forms of English than others (e.g. UK versus American English), and the term does not always translate well as a direct saying into other languages.
It has become a common modern cultural reference, with appearances in everything from the Charlie Brown series to song lyrics.
Urban Dictionary defines the phrase 'good grief' from 2019, though early use of the phrase is likely.
Phrases Similar to Good Grief
- Omg
- Oh my soul
Phrases Opposite to Good Grief
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Good grief!
- Good grief
Ways People May Say Good Grief Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the saying 'good grief' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the phrase when it is used.
Someone uses the phrase as a typical exclamation of surprise, and 'grief' is not part of the saying in its traditional meaning.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Good Grief
The correct way to use the phrase 'good grief' is to use the saying as an exclamation of surprise, often with humorous implications.