good-time
Meaning
(of a person) devoted to or characterized by the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment, especially in a carefree or irresponsible way.
Structure
Usage
He had a reputation as a good-time guy who was more interested in parties than in his career.
The film portrays the good-time atmosphere of the jazz age.
She was tired of his good-time attitude and wanted a more stable partner.
Etymology
The compound "good-time" is a modern English formation, combining two fundamental and ancient Germanic words. "Good" originates from the Proto-Germanic gōdaz, meaning "fitting, suitable, desirable," a concept deeply rooted in societal values. "Time" derives from Proto-Germanic tīmô, related to the idea of a "stretch" or a "period." The literal combination, "a good period," evolved in the 20th century into a fixed attributive adjective. It semantically shifted from describing an event ("we had a good time") to characterizing a person whose primary logic is the relentless pursuit of such pleasurable periods, often with connotations of hedonism and a lack of seriousness.
Analysis
good: From Old English gōd, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch goed and German gut. Functions as an adjective describing a positive quality. time: From Old English tīma, of Germanic origin; related to tide. Functions as a noun referring to a period or duration.