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“You’re  Good”: An Annoying Verbal Tic

The use of the phrase “You’re good” has become increasingly common.  You might hear it if you say “excuse me” to someone. It means that the apology was not necessary.  You’re good

Well, it sounds awful.  And it needs to stop.

The phrase makes one sound frankly uneducated.

So what should you say instead of “you’re good” when someone commits a minor transgression against you, like almost walking into you at a store or accidentally taking your pen?  Here’s how that scenario should play out: 

“Oh, excuse me, I didn’t see you there.  I apologize.” 
“Not at all. Don't mention it.”  

Compared to this: 

“Oh, sorry, did I cut you off when you were speaking?” 
“Oh no, you’re good.”  

Not at all is an elegant phrase.  Not at all almost sounds British; you hardly hear people use this phrase nowadays.  You can hold up a hand and shaking your head magnanimously while saying it, not at all.  

You’re good, on the other hand, makes one sound entitled.  It’s as though everyone in this world in supposed to please and accommodate you.  One person got out of line, but you have granted them clemency, You’re good.   

Excuse me, don’t tell me “I’m good” as though my sole concern is not running afoul of your delicate sensibilities.  

People that would tend to say “you’re good” don’t strike me as particularly considerate themselves, which adds another layer of irony.  They appropriate to themselves the power to absolve others, but I imagine them to be guilty of many a social faux pas and other trespasses upon their neighbors. 

The phrase makes one sound frankly uneducated.  But in fact, those most likely to use this phrase are college educated. That tells you a lot about college I suppose.

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