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I some time ago saw some sentences, "Punch him good", "You punch really good". I assume, that good works as adverb and means well. Upon assuming, I got a question: How has the word good become to mean well? Why do people occasionally use good instead of well?

Thanks.

hjjg200
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  • Usually, people encouraging someone to punch someone else aren't of the predisposition to use the more proper, higher register "well". Punch 'em good, Walter! Sounds so much more appropriate. – anongoodnurse Mar 04 '15 at 15:53

1 Answers1

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Although it seems as though good and well are used interchangeably sometimes - that's not really the case:

"Punch him good," comes from the expression to give (somebody) a good punch. In part, we are referring to "a punch, well administered," but there is an additional meaning which is: "A well administered punch would certainly do (said person) some good." Hence, a "good punch" and "Punch him good".

"You punch really good," is simply wrong.

When you ask someone, "How are you?", the standard answer is: "Very well, thank you." But, let's say this person has a terrible cold... It is unlikely that they will say that they are "very well".

However, if they answer you: "I'm good, thank you," they may be letting you know that they have their box of tissues and are well medicated, and their favorite show is on TV. So, "good" in this case, is short for the expression, "good to go" (prepared to face the situation).

Oldbag
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