Spasibo for your question. And Free Pussy Riot! "Be good" 99 out of 100 times is a common, casual way (more often used by men than women) to say "take care of yourself" when finishing up a face to face or phone conversation with someone. It is the opposite of a greeting. It is a closing statement. It's a similar expression to "be well" or "take it easy." To break it down further it means - I hope you will be strong, healthy, in good shape and safe from outside forces like drunk drivers, lightening and rabid dogs.
Lastly, it's the kind of saying that doesn't work well for you to repeat back to the sayer. As in:
American Man: I had a great time tonight. (Kiss on cheek) Be good.
Russian Lady: Be good.
Usually, it's best to say something like....
American Man: I had a great time tonight. (Kiss on cheek) Be good.
Americanized Lady: Thanks. You too.
Надежда, что помогает. Удачи и будьте здоровы.
(Hope that helps. Good luck and be good.)
From my perspective, when I've had guys tell me this they usually literally mean "don't get into any kind of trouble" in somewhat of a sexual sense. As in, I went out to a bar one night and my guy friend said "be good" and meant don't go hooking up with guys or something of the sort (I'm not notoriously promiscuous, he was just kidding).
That's what he meant, anyhow.
That's the context in which I've had it said to me as well, Dev.
Usually, it's from some dude who's been hoping for the goodies, and assumes that since he isn't getting them, someone else must be.
That's the context in which I've had it said to me as well, Dev.
Usually, it's from some dude who's been hoping for the goodies, and assumes that since he isn't getting them, someone else must be.
Yep - me too. If I ever go out to a party/bar and such without my boyfriend - he always says "be good" before I leave the house - which I take as a cute way of saying "behave yourself" in the company of men or alcohol.
Yes, I totally agree with your bit about how it's usually from a guy hoping for the goodies, not getting them and assumes someone else is; you're spot on with that one.
I say that to my boyfriend when he goes out without me ( normally to a club/bar/party) it means " you better be good! Don't you dare do anything bad"
Yes, to me it means... be faithful, even if I have no right to expect it. And it really pisses me off! Makes me want to say, "only being good when it comes to you..." Very controlling, makes my skin crawl...