hwyl

/ ˈhuːɪl /

noun

1. emotional fervour, as in the recitation of poetry

Word History and Origins

Origin of hwyl¹

C19: Welsh

Example Sentences

The syndicate is led by a bartender named Jan, played by Toni Collette, who brings a bit of the hwyl herself to the otherwise somewhat staid proceedings and predictable ups and downs of the narrative.

From Washington Post

Even with the promise of cash prizes, there’s a less than 1% chance of winning, so the group votes to do it for the “hwyl,” a Welsh word meaning “emotional motivation,” or “fun,” something of which they could all use a bit more.

From Los Angeles Times

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau delivered with particular hwyl.

From The Guardian

At its heart is hwyl, a hard-to-translate Welsh term implying the stirringly sentimental, bardic and gutsy.

From Economist

It's the quality of hwyl - a word which doesn't quite translate into English.

From BBC