Good luck? Good […]!
September 26, 2022 5:42 AM Subscribe
I dislike the phrase 'good luck' and I would like to replace it. What are your 'good luck' alternatives?
Many, many times a day I find myself in a position to wish someone well with something they're doing. This might be on text messaging, in email, or on a Zoom call or any other medium or channel.
'Good luck' is the socially accepted standard phrase for this. I hate it. Mostly because of the connotations of luckiness and externalisation (factors out of your control), which is somewhat at odds with my work in helping others with meeting their goals and creating the outcomes they want.
What short, simple phrases could I use instead of 'good luck' to wish someone well with their work? I'm looking for something I could use frequently and repeatedly. 'Good progress' or 'good work' would be ideal of they didn't already have established meanings that suggested that A) the thing was already completed/done, and B) I was appraising it. I basically want a shorter, friendlier version of ‘I wish you the best with that!’
Many, many times a day I find myself in a position to wish someone well with something they're doing. This might be on text messaging, in email, or on a Zoom call or any other medium or channel.
'Good luck' is the socially accepted standard phrase for this. I hate it. Mostly because of the connotations of luckiness and externalisation (factors out of your control), which is somewhat at odds with my work in helping others with meeting their goals and creating the outcomes they want.
What short, simple phrases could I use instead of 'good luck' to wish someone well with their work? I'm looking for something I could use frequently and repeatedly. 'Good progress' or 'good work' would be ideal of they didn't already have established meanings that suggested that A) the thing was already completed/done, and B) I was appraising it. I basically want a shorter, friendlier version of ‘I wish you the best with that!’
I've always been partial to "Hang in there", but (to me) that has a bit of a connotation of the person experiencing some adversity, so it's not appropriate for all situations.
posted by number9dream at 5:53 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by number9dream at 5:53 AM on September 26, 2022
"You'll crush it "(maybe a little too dudebro for some settings?)
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 6:07 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 6:07 AM on September 26, 2022
Best answer: Hope it goes well!
posted by dusty potato at 6:10 AM on September 26, 2022 [18 favorites]
posted by dusty potato at 6:10 AM on September 26, 2022 [18 favorites]
"Rock on" ...the implication being they are already rocking it and you see them rocking it into the future.
\m/_(> . <)_\m/ ...P-funk sign-off for the select inner circle of rocker-on'ers.
posted by cocoagirl at 6:30 AM on September 26, 2022 [3 favorites]
\m/_(> . <)_\m/ ...P-funk sign-off for the select inner circle of rocker-on'ers.
posted by cocoagirl at 6:30 AM on September 26, 2022 [3 favorites]
"Break a leg" was purpose-built for conveying "good luck" without saying "good luck."
posted by babelfish at 6:35 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by babelfish at 6:35 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
Live long and prosper
posted by Phanx at 6:36 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Phanx at 6:36 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You got this!
I can’t wait to see you rock this!
You’re going to be amazing!
You’re so ready for this!
This is perfect for you!
I love watching you shine!
You deserve every bit of success!
I think it’s ok to say something longer than a 2 word phrase, too. People often really crave an extra bit of specific validation at these key points.
Something like -
You’ve made so many good choices to earn your next huge level up and it’s so exciting to see you on the brink of it!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:41 AM on September 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
I can’t wait to see you rock this!
You’re going to be amazing!
You’re so ready for this!
This is perfect for you!
I love watching you shine!
You deserve every bit of success!
I think it’s ok to say something longer than a 2 word phrase, too. People often really crave an extra bit of specific validation at these key points.
Something like -
You’ve made so many good choices to earn your next huge level up and it’s so exciting to see you on the brink of it!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:41 AM on September 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
My spouse says "good skill."
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:01 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:01 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I've heard that "take wing" is the theatrical phrase now preferred to "break a leg."
posted by mmiddle at 7:03 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by mmiddle at 7:03 AM on September 26, 2022
Hope this XYZ goes well for you. Let me know!
posted by jessamyn at 7:21 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 7:21 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Maybe "I hope it works out well," or "I can't wait to hear about it!"
I look for something concrete and mention that. E.g., my oldest doesn't much like her job, so instead of wishing her a good day each morning, I say, "I hope the drive is good!" (since she drives through downtown and out the other side).
posted by wenestvedt at 7:36 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I look for something concrete and mention that. E.g., my oldest doesn't much like her job, so instead of wishing her a good day each morning, I say, "I hope the drive is good!" (since she drives through downtown and out the other side).
posted by wenestvedt at 7:36 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I use "May The Force be with you," a lot, both verbally and in email/Slack/Discord, etc. Usually with a grin and a Vulcan salute, if in person. ;)
posted by xedrik at 7:42 AM on September 26, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by xedrik at 7:42 AM on September 26, 2022 [3 favorites]
Best answer: "I'd never yell 'good luck' at anybody. It sounds terrible, when you think about it." -Holden Caulfied.
If it's someone I don't know well or need to be professional around, "best wishes". More informally, "kick some ass".
posted by kevinbelt at 7:56 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
If it's someone I don't know well or need to be professional around, "best wishes". More informally, "kick some ass".
posted by kevinbelt at 7:56 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
Take care!
posted by heathrowga at 8:12 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by heathrowga at 8:12 AM on September 26, 2022
"Courage!" with the French pronunciation.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:16 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:16 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Go well.
posted by flabdablet at 8:17 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by flabdablet at 8:17 AM on September 26, 2022
Best answer: Excelsior is Latin for "ever upwards" or "ever higher."
Similarly, my spiritual master, Gretchen Rubin, says, "Onward and upward."
posted by BrashTech at 8:27 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Similarly, my spiritual master, Gretchen Rubin, says, "Onward and upward."
posted by BrashTech at 8:27 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I love the meaning behind the French phrase "Bon courage". Sometimes I'll just say something like "I wish you strength," or, "have some support from me," but it's not the same.
posted by amtho at 8:59 AM on September 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by amtho at 8:59 AM on September 26, 2022 [4 favorites]
Me, I'm partial to Onwards! but also Avanti! if it isn't going to sound too pretentious. Ad astra is defo pretentious.
posted by BobTheScientist at 9:06 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by BobTheScientist at 9:06 AM on September 26, 2022
Best answer: I personally really like hearing, "You've got this!"
Makes me feel like the person saying it believes in me (whether they do or not lol)
posted by The Adventure Begins at 9:06 AM on September 26, 2022
Makes me feel like the person saying it believes in me (whether they do or not lol)
posted by The Adventure Begins at 9:06 AM on September 26, 2022
Well, for the less pleasant, tedious, or challenging tasks others are facing I overuse an ironic "have fun!" But I suspect that's even more objectionable than 'good luck'.
posted by cgg at 9:13 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by cgg at 9:13 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
"Best wishes" is what I'd use. My sillier side suggests "stay gold".
posted by brainwane at 9:43 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by brainwane at 9:43 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
"May fortune favor the foolish."
posted by Pater Aletheias at 9:47 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 9:47 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Like amtho, "bon courage" is what I think, but I usually say, "I wish you well!" or "I wish you the best!"
posted by lapis at 9:52 AM on September 26, 2022
posted by lapis at 9:52 AM on September 26, 2022
"Drive safe."
It works even if there's no driving involved. You're just vaguely hoping that traffic, or whatever, generally works out for them.
posted by Etrigan at 10:03 AM on September 26, 2022
It works even if there's no driving involved. You're just vaguely hoping that traffic, or whatever, generally works out for them.
posted by Etrigan at 10:03 AM on September 26, 2022
I like "Be your best you" or its longer friend "You're more ready than you've ever been" because it focuses on things a person controls, but also because it avoids comparisons to others. Most people can be better than they were in the past.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 10:03 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 10:03 AM on September 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Not very useful for you perhaps, but Turkish has a widely used phrase for this: kolay gelsin. It means something like ‘may it go well’ and is specifically addressed to people working on something.
posted by tavegyl at 10:14 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by tavegyl at 10:14 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I once set myself an alarm for an important job interview and told Siri to label it "go get 'em, tiger" (Siri corrected 'em to "them," though). I also use the Leslie Knope "you got this" GIF with two thumbs up a lot, but I'm not sure about using that in a stuffy professional context.
But I will never tell anyone "I hope it works out" after the conclusion of an awkward wedding weekend swirling with rumors that the parents of the bride had literally tried to pay her not to go through with it, when the father of the bride ended his incredibly awkward toast at the reception with those very words. (It was over a decade ago. They're still quite happily married).
posted by fedward at 10:51 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
But I will never tell anyone "I hope it works out" after the conclusion of an awkward wedding weekend swirling with rumors that the parents of the bride had literally tried to pay her not to go through with it, when the father of the bride ended his incredibly awkward toast at the reception with those very words. (It was over a decade ago. They're still quite happily married).
posted by fedward at 10:51 AM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
"Have fun storming the castle"
posted by olopua at 10:51 AM on September 26, 2022 [7 favorites]
posted by olopua at 10:51 AM on September 26, 2022 [7 favorites]
Warm wishes!
Hope you are well / hope things are well!
Happy travels! (Or the equivalent non-travel activity)
posted by past unusual at 12:58 PM on September 26, 2022
Hope you are well / hope things are well!
Happy travels! (Or the equivalent non-travel activity)
posted by past unusual at 12:58 PM on September 26, 2022
Best answer: In German, you could say "Frohes Schaffen!" ("Happy Creation!")
I sometimes wish a productive day/evening/week/year.
Other options:
"I hope you succeed!"
"You can do it!"
"I'm rooting for you."
"Keep up the good work."
"You'll ace this!"
posted by sohalt at 1:39 PM on September 26, 2022
I sometimes wish a productive day/evening/week/year.
Other options:
"I hope you succeed!"
"You can do it!"
"I'm rooting for you."
"Keep up the good work."
"You'll ace this!"
posted by sohalt at 1:39 PM on September 26, 2022
If the person you’re encouraging is about to face a particularly challenging person or committee, I know my friends appreciate a good “gird your loins,” maybe with appropriate Stanley Tucci GIF.
posted by fedward at 2:51 PM on September 26, 2022
posted by fedward at 2:51 PM on September 26, 2022
Limited use for special occasions:
Knock 'em dead!posted by Nerd of the North at 3:46 PM on September 26, 2022
"Tail winds and blue skies!"
posted by ragtimepiano at 5:08 PM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by ragtimepiano at 5:08 PM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: In Dutch, the equivalent phrase is "Success!"
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:39 PM on September 26, 2022
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 6:39 PM on September 26, 2022
Hail Eris!
OMG they all had that sort of alliterative name that just rolls off the tongue and is unforgettable.
posted by zengargoyle at 8:11 PM on September 26, 2022
In bocca al lupo / In culo alla balena | In the wolf’s mouth / In the whale’s assI learned it at "up the whale's ass". Way to many feisty Italian girlfriends....
These two expressions for good luck are well-known throughout Italy, but clearly, they don’t make any sense. Maybe they came into use because a simple “good luck” (buona fortuna) was too plain and boring.
OMG they all had that sort of alliterative name that just rolls off the tongue and is unforgettable.
posted by zengargoyle at 8:11 PM on September 26, 2022
My mom sent me off to school nearly every day with the phrase: "Do great things."
posted by luzdeluna at 8:36 PM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by luzdeluna at 8:36 PM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I've said I'm rooting for you!, sending good vibes, you've got this, you're going to rock this, let me know how it goes, keep me updated, I'm rooting for you, I'm so excited for you...
posted by latkes at 9:44 PM on September 26, 2022
posted by latkes at 9:44 PM on September 26, 2022
I like "knock 'em dead" and "give 'em hell". But you've got to know your audience. Some people love being told "give 'em hell" when they're about to go have surgery done on their personal body, for instance. Others do not. I also use "courage!" and occasionally "excelsior" when I'm feeling fancy.
posted by potrzebie at 10:49 PM on September 26, 2022
posted by potrzebie at 10:49 PM on September 26, 2022
In Korean they might use "fighting!", pronounced more like "paiting!" or "hwaiting!", for this sort of scenario, but it might be hard to incorporate this without sounding like you were trying too hard to pretend you were in a K-drama. It seems like "Jiayou / Gayau / 加油" (literally means "add oil") has a similar sense in Chinese, and "ganbatte" and related forms have similar usage in Japanese.
posted by sigmagalator at 5:11 PM on September 27, 2022
posted by sigmagalator at 5:11 PM on September 27, 2022
Best wishes.
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 7:49 PM on September 27, 2022
posted by Rumi'sLeftSock at 7:49 PM on September 27, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
Best wishes!
I'm rooting for you!
I believe in you!
You can do it!
Go get 'em! ("tiger" optional)
posted by ourobouros at 5:44 AM on September 26, 2022 [5 favorites]