any count

any count pronunciation

/EN-ee kownt/

Meaning

Asks or states whether something has real value or use. "Is it any count?" means "Is it any good?" You can aim it at food, a tool, a trip, or a person. The flip side is "no count" or "ain't no count," for something useless.

How folks use it

• “Is that flea-market radio any count, or just noise?”
• “He asked if the new hire was any count with a wrench.”

Origin and etymology

Shortened from of account, meaning of value. Southern and Appalachian speakers kept count for worth or use. DARE records questions like "Was it any count?" in eastern Kentucky. Wayword Radio notes the phrase is strongly Southern, often about food or whether something was worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions