What are the best ways how to respond to what’s good? This is a commonly-asked question in social circles, as it comes off as a friendly greeting akin to “What’s up.” But unfortunately, it’s hard to be sure what the appropriate response is. For example, when someone greets you with “What’s up?”, it’s perfectly reasonable and acceptable to reply with “Nothing much.” However, when someone asks you, “What’s good,” and you reply with “Nothing much,” that sounds quite negative, doesn’t it? So, how should you respond to “what’s good?” In this article, we’ll discuss what the phrase really means, how to respond to it, and how to make a funny situation out of it. You’ll also learn how to respond to it on an online platform like Tinder or Snapchat.
What Does it Mean When Someone Says What’s Good?
Does it mean “what’s up,” as many people think? The answer is yes. “What’s good” is simply another way of saying “what’s up” or “what’s happening”–it’s a friendly greeting that many circles find appropriate. That said, if responding with “Nothing much” doesn’t sit well with you, then not to worry. This article will give you more than two dozen different ways to respond to “what’s good.” You’ll find at least a few you like, We’ll start by covering the most common responses, then move on to the funnier and more situational ones afterward. Reading Suggestion: How to Reply to What’s Up? 48 Best Responses to WSP
How to Respond to What’s Good?
The following nine examples are common, widely-accepted ways to respond to “what’s good.” While some of them may sound “off” to you, you’ll soon realize they’ll do just fine in practice.
#1: “Oh, nothing much. You?”
This is the most common, knee-jerk example because it’s what we normally use when someone asks us “what’s up.” You’ll be surprised that even when someone asks you “what’s good,” and you say “not much,” they won’t read into your reply and ask if there’s something wrong. So even if you decide not to use this response primarily, keep it in your back pocket. As weird as it might sound, it’s hard to go wrong with it. Reading Suggestion: 30 Good Excuses to Leave Work Early (on Short Notice)
#2: “Oh, I’m just cracking on.”
This one reveals a bit more about what’s going on in your life. It’s not unlike saying, “I feel good, just hanging in there,” where you say you’re not doing badly but not doing too well either, and you’re just doing what you can to get by. When the person who asked you what’s good is a thoughtful one, they might ask a follow-up question to see if you’ll open up. It’s up to you, of course, whether or not to tell them about the current problem or endeavor that’s occupying most of your attention these days.
#3: “How are you?”
Another appropriate response, this one returns the greeting and warms the interaction. It also tells the other person you don’t mind listening, and if they had something they wanted to talk to you about, they might go ahead and tell you. Reading Suggestion: The 38 Best Comebacks to Shut Up Other times, they’ll say “I feel good, thanks,” to which you can say, “Nice,” or “Alright,” and you both go on with what you were doing.
#4: “Meh, I’ll be alright.”
If you feel like ranting or confiding, this is a good response to use. It prompts the other person to ask, “Why, what’s wrong?”, at which you can take a load off your mind. Another way to say this is “I’ve been better,” or “I could be better.” Either way, you indicate you’re not all that well. They’ll pay a penny for your thoughts if they care enough about you.
#5: “Great. You look amazing today.”
This is a warmer variation of returning the greeting since it throws in a compliment at the same time. You can use any compliment you want, as long as it’s genuine.
#6: “Hey, what’s happening?”
An answer like this means you assume “What’s good” is the same as “What’s up,” and so you respond accordingly. You’re simply returning the greeting, though you’re also inviting the other person to talk about themselves if they want.
#7: “Oh, same old, same old.”
What if someone asks you what’s good, and you don’t have any new stories to tell? Then just tell them you’re the “same old.” They’ll leave you at that. This is also a polite response to use if you do have stories to tell, but don’t want to talk at the moment. Keep things to yourself by saying you’re the “same old.” Reading Suggestion: How To Respond To I miss you? 34 Best Responses
#8: “Can I tell you later? Just let me finish this.”
What should you do if you want to prevent an unwanted conversation? Sometimes, someone asks how you are when you’re in the middle of something important. This is especially common in a bustling workplace, where less-busy work friends are always up for a chat. You can be more firm by saying, “Let’s talk later. I’m occupied right now,” even if the more polite default version will do just fine in most cases.
#9: “I am, thanks for asking.”
Here, you take the greeting literally and pretend they’re really asking what’s happening to you that’s good. And so, you happily tell them you’re doing quite well yourself. They might ask a follow-up question about why you’re doing well, so expect to tell a story or two with a reply like this. Reading Suggestion: The 10 Best Excuses to Not Hang Out With Someone These are nine of the most common, most widely-accepted ways to respond to “what’s good.” Now, let’s take a look at a few funnier, more adventurous ways to do so:
How to Answer What’s Good in a Funny Way?
In many situations, humor is a welcome addition to the conversation. And if you can make people laugh with a funny response and not get into trouble with it, you should. Here are a few examples you can try:
#10: “Wait, what? Why? Who have you been talking to?”
This silly response is best delivered with a faux terrified, defensive, or suspicious sounding tone. You’re insinuating the other person has been snooping around and asking stuff behind your back—which you know, of course, to not be true. Reading Suggestion: How to Respond to Thank You for Every Situation?
#11: “Not this weather, that’s for sure…”
Is it a very hot day? Or perhaps bitterly cold? The weather is always good as a chat topic. Naturally, you can swap “weather” with an issue or problem that both you and the greeter are experiencing. For instance, if your co-worker greeted you with what’s good and you’re both working against an unreasonable deadline, you can say: “Not this deadline, that’s for sure.” Misery loves company, as you’ll find out soon after.
#12: “Reuben sandwiches. Try them.”
If you’re in an establishment that serves food and beverages and someone asks you “what’s good,” they’re likely asking about the offerings. So, if you have a favorite item or two on the menu, feel free to suggest it this way. They’ll likely appreciate it. Meanwhile, if you’re not in a restaurant or cafe, it’s still a fun way to respond to “what’s good” when a friend asks it. It’s a “way too literal answer,” and if the greeter has a sense of humor, they’ll appreciate the recommendation. You can also use this in a sarcastic way, replacing “Reuben sandwiches” with something you both know is not good. Reading Suggestion: How To Respond To I miss you? 34 Best Responses For instance, they say “What’s good,” and you say: “The gas price hike. Am I right?”
#13: “It’s another day in paradise.”
This references the classic Phil Collins song, which you might know is an ironic or sarcastic song. So that makes this reply appropriate for when nothing is currently good, and if the greeter can relate to you. Do you share an ongoing trial with the greeter, like a tough week of work that just won’t wrap up? Or are you both going through a similarly busy schedule? Then, whip out this reply and make it a little more bearable.
#14: “Can’t wait for happy hour, that’s all.”
You can swap “happy hour” for something you’re very much looking forward to—like the weekend, your vacation, etc. You get bonus points for when the greeter is also eager for a much-needed rest.
#15: “Shoo. Not interested.”
Naturally, you’ll want to reserve this for friends who don’t mind ribbing and getting ribbed. It’s good for a laugh and to break some tension. On the other hand, if your circle of friends is touchy and uptight, avoid quips like this, harmless as they might be. Bridges have been burned for much less, so be mindful of another person’s feelings.
#16: “Eh, beggars can’t be choosers, etc., etc.”
This one’s another indication that you’re okay, but you could be better. You phrase it in a way that’s funny, ironic, or sarcastic, easing the struggle for even a minute. Reading Suggestion: 24 Signs Your Ex Still Has Feelings For You As a side effect, the greeter may offer words of encouragement. It may or may not be words you’ll want to hear, but it should be okay as long as they’re not rude about it.
#17: “Hey, can’t complain.”
This is a variation of #16. As you can see, even if you’re down in the dumps, there are many ways to phrase your feelings in a neutral, funny, or relatable way.
#18: “When we reach the weekend, I will be!”
How’s that for optimism? You’re telling the greeter you’ll do just fine once Saturday rolls around, but until then, you’ll hang in there. In a way, you’re focusing on the positive, and it drives you forward no matter how tough life might be at the moment. Reading Suggestion: The 10 Best Excuses To Not Hang Out With Someone And that’s always a good way to respond to “what’s good.” Now, let’s see a few good ways to respond when you get the greeting online…
How to Respond to What’s Good on Tinder or Snapchat?
Tinder and Snapchat are just two examples of online services where strangers meet, socialize, and potentially agree to meet up for face-to-face fun. And, yes, “what’s good” is a greeting you’ll receive commonly enough on these platforms. How do you respond? Here are a few good suggestions:
#19: “Why don’t you find out?”
If you’re attractive and tend to get lots of attention online, this reply is a good test for the greeter. If they’re friendly and confident, they might then press a conversation to find out more about you. Reading Suggestion: 99 Text Messages to make him obsess over you And if they’re not, you’ll find that out very quickly, as well. Try it out and see what reactions you get. At the very least, it’ll be an interesting exchange.
#20: “Nothing, I’m just chilling, you?”
This is a more neutral reply that invites the greeter to lead the conversation. This is good if you’re not feeling particularly talkative or sociable, but you find them interesting enough to chat with for a few minutes. Ultimately, it’ll depend on how eager you are to chat with the flirty stranger who greeted you. There are neutral, friendly ways to reply, and there are flirty, inviting ways as well. Regardless, with these ideas, being greeted with “what’s good” will never bother you again. Now, to wrap up, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions about being asked “what’s good,” for good measure.
How do you respond to “what’s good” on Tinder?
Tinder is an online dating service where you meet and chat with strangers hoping to find partners for romantic or sexual relationships. Now that you know “what’s good” is simply another way of saying “what’s up,” it’s easy to think of how to reply to it on a dating site. Reading Suggestion: How To End a Love Letter To Your Crush? Is the person who greeted you, someone, you find cute? Tell them something like: “Why don’t you find out?” to tease a conversation out of them. Reading Suggestion: 15 Clear signs he is pretending not to like you Are you not all that interested? Reply with something like “Not much, you?”, and see where it goes. Your answer will vary depending on where you want the interaction to go. So, what’s good? Hopefully, you got a bit of clarity from this guide. So, from now on, “What’s good” will never confuse you again.