goody
C1Informal, often playful or slightly childish
Definition
Meaning
A noun referring to something pleasant, attractive, or enjoyable, especially a tasty treat or a small reward.
A mildly dated or ironic term for a person who is very well-behaved or virtuous. Also used as an interjection to express childish delight.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun ('treat'), it's often used in the plural ('goodies'). As an interjection, it expresses simple pleasure. The term can carry a slightly ironic or self-conscious tone in modern adult use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. 'Goody-goody' (hyphenated) as a noun/adjective for a smugly virtuous person is common in both, but might be slightly more frequent in UK English.
Connotations
In UK English, 'goody' as a person can have a stronger connotation of being annoyingly or self-righteously good. The interjection 'Goody!' might sound more dated in general American speech.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, particularly in the context of 'goody bag' (party bag for children).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Plural noun (goodies) + for + recipientGoody! + (exclamatory sentence)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “goody two-shoes”
- “goody bag”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in marketing: 'Subscribe and get these digital goodies.'
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in family/child contexts: 'There are goodies in the pantry.' Also used ironically among adults.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He was always the goody pupil, never causing any trouble.
- Her goody-goody attitude irritated her classmates.
American English
- She played the goody character in the school play.
- Don't be such a goody-two-shoes about the rules.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Goody! We're having cake!
- The children got a goody bag at the party.
- I've bought some sweet goodies for the film night.
- She was tired of being called the goody-goody of the family.
- The conference attendees were all given a bag full of promotional goodies.
- His goody-two-shoes act didn't fool anyone who knew him well.
- The software's premium version includes several digital goodies for power users.
- The novel's protagonist rejects the role of the moral goody, embracing a more complex ethical stance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child saying 'GOODy!' when they see something GOOD to eat.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/QUALITY IS SWEETNESS (a 'goody' is a sweet treat).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'goods' (товары). 'Goody' is not a standard plural of 'good'.
- The interjection 'Goody!' is similar to 'Ура!' but more specific to personal, often childish, gratification.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'goody' as a countable singular noun for a person in formal contexts (e.g., 'He is a goody').
- Confusing 'goody bag' with 'swag bag' (the latter is more for adult promotional events).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'goody' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As a noun meaning 'treat', it is often used in the plural ('goodies'), but the singular form exists, especially in compounds like 'goody bag'. As an interjection ('Goody!') or a term for a person ('goody-two-shoes'), it is singular.
They are variant spellings of the same informal word. 'Goody' is the more standard and common spelling in modern dictionaries for all meanings.
Yes. When used to describe a person, especially in the forms 'goody-goody' or 'goody two-shoes', it is a criticism implying someone is smug, self-righteous, or annoyingly well-behaved.
It is still understood but can sound dated or deliberately childish. Adults might use it for humorous or ironic effect. It's less common in casual American speech than in UK English.