my good man

USAGE SUMMARY

"my good man" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to address a male respectfully and politely. Example: "Excuse me, my good man, may I trouble you for directions to the nearest post office?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The master-servant relationship is upended, as the "houseboy" returns with fondness and irony the Master's way of addressing him as "my good man".

The Guardian - Books

"Watson, my good man.

The New Yorker

"'Where are you, my good man?' He said my good man in English".

The Guardian - Books

Don't mind if I do, my good man.

The Guardian - Sport

"So, my good man, you're going in? Look at Julia out there".

The New Yorker

"But that's my good man — not afraid to keep life sweet as syrup".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was gut-wrenching and terrifying, but mostly my heart ached for the anguish Pete was experiencing -- and I missed my sweet, good man.

HuffPost

"My poor good man," said she, "why is Neptune so furiously angry with you?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He referred repeatedly to Mr Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, as "my good friend" and "a good man".

BBC

"I wouldn't leave my husband because my husband is a good man," said Mahdia, who now enjoys the freedom of walking down the street whenever she likes.

Vice

"Good man," my namesake said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the recipient's age and social context; this phrase is most suitable for addressing older men or in situations where a touch of formality is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "my good man" excessively in modern conversations as it can sound affected or overly formal, particularly with younger individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my good man" primarily functions as a vocative, used to address a male individual in a polite, albeit somewhat old-fashioned, manner. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "my good man" is a grammatically sound and polite way to address a male, though its use is somewhat uncommon in contemporary English. It's most often encountered in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a slightly formal tone. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. While it conveys respect, be mindful of the social context to avoid sounding outdated or condescending. Consider alternatives like "sir", "excuse me", or simply addressing the person directly, depending on the situation. Remember there are many alternatives, as "my dear fellow", "my good sir", or "mate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my good sir

Similar level of formality, but "sir" is more explicitly respectful.

my dear fellow

Emphasizes a sense of camaraderie and familiarity, slightly more intimate.

old sport

Archaic, conveys a sense of classic upper-class English.

good friend

Focuses on a friendly relationship, less formal than "my good man".

my friend

A more general and widely applicable term of address.

sir

Extremely formal and direct, lacking the personal touch of "my good man".

mate

Very informal, primarily used in British English.

my guy

Casual and contemporary.

brother

Expresses solidarity, often used in specific social or cultural contexts.

comrade

Suggests shared political or ideological alignment.

FAQs

How can I use "my good man" in a sentence?

You can use "my good man" to address someone politely, as in "Excuse me, "my good man", could you direct me to the library?"

What's a modern alternative to "my good man"?

Alternatives include "sir", "excuse me", or simply omitting the phrase and directly addressing the person.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "my good man"?

It might be inappropriate in very casual settings or when addressing someone significantly younger, as it can sound condescending or out of touch. Adapt your language to the context and audience.

What is the origin of the phrase "my good man"?

The phrase has roots in older forms of English politeness, reflecting a time when formal address was more common. It implies respect and acknowledgment of the person's status or role.