“Good Grief” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 8, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “good grief” may be a phrase you see or hear often in everyday conversation and writing. In the paragraphs following below, the definition of this phrase can be found along with the information regarding its origin. You will also see sample conversations and statements to show you how to properly use this phrase as a part of everyday communication and you will discover other ways you can say the phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

“Good Grief” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “good grief” is an exclamation used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief. It’s typically used in a lighthearted or mild way to convey annoyance or exasperation, without being overly harsh. 
Good Grief
Good Grief – Created by 7ESL

“Good Grief” Meaning

The phrase “good grief” is an expression of surprise, frustration, or exasperation. It is often used to convey disbelief or to react to something that is overwhelming, annoying, or unexpected. The phrase suggests that the speaker is taken aback by a situation, often in a somewhat humorous or lighthearted way.

Examples:

  • “Good grief, I can’t believe how much homework we have this week!”
  • “Good grief! Did that really just happen?”

Origin of this Idiomatic Phrase

The idiom “good grief” began with the origin of the phrase “good God,” which first appeared during the 1600s. The first word used as a replacement created the phrase “good lack,” in which the word “lack” means grief. Since this time the word “God” has been replaced with several different words to make up similar expressions.

The oldest known use of “good grief” most likely occurred sometime between 1898 and 1905 when it was defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, but the earliest known use in writing is in a 1915 article in the magazine Good Housekeeping. This expression has been one used widely since and is commonly beard by children at least once yearly by the animated character Charlie Brown.

Usage of “Good Grief” 

  • Expressing frustration:

“Good grief, I can’t believe I spilled coffee on my shirt right before the meeting!”

  • In response to an unexpected situation:

“Good grief! Did you really eat all the cookies?”

  • Reacting to something surprising:

“Good grief, it’s already 8 o’clock! I had no idea it was so late.”

  • In a humorous or lighthearted context:

“Good grief, how many times are we going to lose the TV remote?”

Related Terms to “Good Grief” 

  • Oh my gosh – an expression of surprise or disbelief.
  • For heaven’s sake – used to express frustration or exasperation.
  • What on earth? – a phrase indicating shock or disbelief about a situation.
  • Goodness gracious – an expression of surprise or astonishment.
  • Wow – a simple expression of amazement or shock.
  • Jeez – an informal expression of annoyance or surprise.
  • Can you believe it? – a rhetorical question expressing disbelief.
  • Holy cow – an exclamation of surprise or shock.
  • My word – an expression of surprise or astonishment.
  • Seriously? – used to express disbelief or exasperation about something that has occurred.

Alternative to “Good Grief”

Alternative ways you can say this phrase include:

  • Good God
  • Good golly
  • Holy moly

“Good Grief” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made by a politician running for office.

  • “Why is it that everywhere I go everyone always asks me the same questions. I have answered all of these questions before! Good grief!”

A statement made by a celebrity during an interview on a podcast when asked about their childhood.

  • “Good grief! I can’t remember back that far! Can’t you ask me about something more recent?”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a mother and a daughter.

  • Daughter: Mom, I need money.
  • Mom: For what? I just gave you money Monday for pictures and Tuesday to put on your account for lunch.
  • Daughter: It’s for the field trip next week.
  • Mom: Good grief! Does the school think money grows on trees?

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: Well, hey look who it is? Finally decided to show up at work on time slacker?
  • Co-worker 2: What are you talking about, Joe! I have been here every day and haven’t missed a day of work in two years! If you want to call someone a slacker, you should look in the mirror!
  • Co-worker 1: Geez George! Calm down! I was only kidding! Good grief!

Other examples:

  • Good grief! Look the mess in here!
  • Good grief! I forgot my keys again.
  • “He’s been arrested for theft and burglary.” — “Good grief!”.
  • Good grief, Tom. Is that puke on your shoe, or what?
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