A friend asks, “How was your weekend?” and you grin, “Pretty good!” Instantly, the mood feels light and genuine—not too fancy, not too flat. This little phrase has a special way of showing satisfaction without overdoing it. In this post, let’s unpack the meaning, origin, and examples of the idiom “pretty good.”
Meaning of “Pretty Good”
When someone says something is “pretty good,” they mean it’s better than average or quite satisfactory. It’s a warm, positive phrase that shows approval without sounding too strong.
In everyday English, “pretty” acts as a softener or intensifier—it modifies “good” to make it sound more natural and conversational.
Here’s what it can mean depending on context:
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Quite good or fairly good: It’s good, but not amazing.
Example: “The show was pretty good—worth watching!” -
Polite approval: Used to show appreciation without exaggeration.
Example: “That was a pretty good presentation.” -
Understated confidence or humor: Sometimes used modestly or playfully.
Example: “I think I did pretty good for my first try!”
In short: “Pretty good” means something is genuinely good—simple, honest, and positive.
Origin of “Pretty Good”
The phrase “pretty good” dates back to the 18th century. The word “pretty” comes from the Old English prættig, meaning “clever” or “skillful.” Over centuries, it shifted to mean “moderately” or “somewhat,” especially when used with adjectives.
By the 1700s, speakers began saying “pretty good,” “pretty bad,” or “pretty hard” to add a tone of moderation or friendliness. So when you say “pretty good,” you’re using a phrase that’s been softening speech and brightening conversations for over 250 years.
Examples in Sentences
Here are several ways to use “pretty good” naturally in both casual and formal situations:
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Friendly tone: “That new café downtown is pretty good—you’d love it.”
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Work context: “Your design looks pretty good; just tweak the colors a bit.”
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Modesty: “I’d say I did pretty good for my first marathon.”
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Neutral compliment: “Pretty good turnout at the event today.”
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Everyday chat: “How’s your day going?” — “Pretty good, thanks!”
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Playful understatement: “My cooking’s pretty good when I don’t burn it.”
This idiom is flexible, polite, and fits almost any mood or setting.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Here are a few expressions that share the same easygoing tone as “pretty good”:
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Not bad – A modest way of saying something is good.
Example: “Your driving’s not bad at all!” -
Fairly decent – Slightly formal, meaning acceptable or respectable.
Example: “The results were fairly decent.” -
All right – Neutral and casual; can mean okay or good.
Example: “The movie was all right.” -
Can’t complain – Suggests that things are fine or going smoothly.
Example: “How’s work?” — “Can’t complain!”
Each one expresses quiet positivity, perfect for polite or relaxed conversations.
I like using “pretty good” because it feels real and relatable. It’s one of those phrases that fits almost any situation—friendly, flexible, and never too much. When someone says something I’ve done is “pretty good,” it makes me smile because it sounds genuine, not exaggerated.
The idiom “pretty good” captures that middle ground between “okay” and “amazing.” It’s friendly, humble, and time-tested—a phrase that has stood the test of centuries while keeping conversations warm and natural.
So, how about you? Do you use “pretty good” in your everyday conversations? Drop your examples in the comments—I bet they’ll be pretty good! 😄