Etymology Journal ยท A
A good while
Meaning
- This is a way to describe a significant, albeit unspecified, amount of time. It is a classic indicator of patience.
Relaxed, patient
Used in a sentence
- It has been a good while since I have seen you at the hardware store.
- Just sit on the porch and wait a good while, he will be back soon.
- I have been working on this engine for a good while now.
The backstory
This is a traditional colloquialism that relies on the subjective nature of time. It has been used for generations to avoid giving a specific countdown.
Heard in
The South / Midwest
Vibe check