Good for you!

[Miner49'er]

Can someone please explain in which situations I can use the expression "Good for you!" or "Good for him!"

I know it can be used as an answer when someone swanks e.g. about his wage.

Are there other situations in which such an answer is appropriate?

[MrPedantic]

Hello '49

It usually means "I approve of the fact that you did or said X".

Usually, "X" involves "standing up for your own interests", or "doing something brave", or "saying something unexpected".

For instance, if another member made a sarcastic reply to your post, and you answered with a crushing witticism, I might say "Good for you, '49!"

Or if someone at work asked you to make a false entry in the company accounts, for tax purposes, and you refused, I might say "Good for you, '49!"

It can also be used sarcastically. That might be the case in your "wages" example (where it would probably cause a great deal of offence).

MrP

[Miner49'er]

Thx MrPedantic,

That's exactly what I wanted to know.

So it can be used in a positive sense also.

Most example situations I've seen/heard on TV so far, were sarcastic responces.

I thought it could only be used in such cases.

[RonBee]

Well, it can be used sarcastically, but I have usually heard it used as a means of encouragement.

Good for you, Miner! You're getting better at it all the time.

~R

[Miner49'er]

Thank you RonBee,

All encouragement is greatly appreciated.

[Ouisch]

When "good for you" is used in a negative sense, it's usually in response to someone who is boasting or bragging.

"No matter how much chocolate I eat, I just never seem to gain any weight."
"Well, good for you."

[Mordant]

I think in this last context it also implies that we are not in the least interested and can we hear no more on the subject.

[Miner49'er]

Yep, I heard it being used in that context in a commercial on Sky TV.

At the end a girl's mother says "Good for her" after her daughter sums up the al the good (better) qualities of her friends mother.