Susan Writes

I asked a Grand if he’d like more milk and he answered, “I’m good.” I didn’t immediately understand.  I knew he was good.  A good kid.  A good eater. But what did that have to do with my offer to pour milk into his empty glass while we ate supper?

            “I know you’re good.  Do you want more milk?” I asked.

            He shook his head.  “No, I’m good.”  I understood that answer.  No more milk.  Why didn’t he say so?   Later, after listening for this phrase as people talked, I realized that my Grand responded as many others do.

            Maybe you’ve heard the phrase I’m good to answer questions and refuse offers.  Would you like to go to the movies with me tomorrow afternoon?  Are you cold?

I tried a new recipe for pecan pie.  Would you like a piece?  

I’m going for a walk.  Want to go with me?

It seems that I’m good can be the response to all of these questions.

            What happened to direct, simple answers?  No, I can’t go to the movies.  I’m not cold – I’m comfortable.  No, thank you seems like a polite answer for a pie offer or to go for a walk.

            Now, I interpret I’m good as no, but when I hear those two words, I sometimes think of my dad, a high school English teacher sixty years ago.  He taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten.  I’m well refers to physical well-being and I’m good to mood.

I ask friends, “Are you okay?” When they say I’m well, I know they feel physically healthy.   When they say I’m good, I know my friends are happy and having a good day.  

            When did people start saying I’m good not to describe their mood, but instead as a refusal?  The online Urban Dictionary listed I’m good as slang to mean rejection or ridicule in its 2008 edition.  

            Sidenote: The Urban Dictionary, according to its site, was created in 1999 by a then-college freshman who was a computer science major at California Polytechnic State University as a mockery of Dictionary.com.  The Urban Dictionary is like Wikipedia in that anyone can edit, revise and submit text so I take information on both websites with a grain of salt, as Granny used to say, when she doubted something she’d been told.

            But I have confidence in the online Oxford English Dictionary and I’m surprised to read that I’m good was first listed in 1966.  The phrase is used in response to a question or request to mean no thank you or I’m not in need of anything.

            So, I’m way behind the times.  However, Dad’s grammar lesson has stuck with me and I’ll continue to say what my parents taught me when I’m offered something I don’t want: No, thank you.

But I do understand my Grand when he says I’m good.  And I always think he’s a really good kid.

Filed under: Everyday Life, Grandchildren | Tagged: I'm Good, Slang |