What are the best ways 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.
So, how should you respond to “what’s good?” In this article, we’ll discuss the phrase’s meaning, how to respond to it, and how to make a funny situation.
You’ll also learn how to respond to it online 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.
If responding with “Nothing much” doesn’t sit well with you, do not worry.
This article will give you more than two dozen 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.
How to Respond to What’s Good?
The following nine examples are commonly accepted ways to respond to “what’s good.” While some 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 usually 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. It’s hard to go wrong with it as weird as it might sound.
#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 occupying most of your attention these days.
#3: “How are you?”
Another appropriate response is that this one returns the greeting and warms the interaction.
It also tells the other person you don’t mind listening, and if they have something they want to talk to you about, they might go ahead and tell you.
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 simultaneously. 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,” so you respond accordingly.
You’re simply returning the greeting, though you’re also inviting the other person to talk about themselves.
#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 tell them you’re the “same old.” They’ll leave you at that.
This is also a polite response 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.”
#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 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.
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, not to be true.
#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 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,” if the greeter has a sense of humor, they’ll appreciate the recommendation.
You can also sarcastically use this, replacing “Reuben sandwiches” with something you both know is not good.
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 ironic or sarcastic.
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 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 looking forward to—like the weekend, 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 indicates that you’re okay, but you could be better. You phrase it in a funny, ironic, or sarcastic way, easing the struggle for even a minute.
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.
#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, which drives you forward no matter how tough life might be.
And that’s always an excellent 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 press a conversation to learn more about you.
And if they’re not, you’ll also find that out very quickly.
Try it out and see what reactions you get. At the very least, it’ll be an exciting exchange.
#20: “Nothing, I’m just chilling, you?”
This more neutral reply 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.
