kvell

American  

[kvel] / kvɛl /

verb (used without object)

Slang.

1. to be extraordinarily pleased; especially, to be bursting with pride, as over one's family.

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kvell British  

/ kvɛl /

verb

1. informal (intr) to be happy or show satisfaction

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Etymology

Origin of kvell

An Americanism first recorded in 1965–70; from Yiddish kveln “be delighted”; compare Middle High German, German quellen “well up, gush”

Example Sentences

We can only kvell that one of the world’s greatest writers has picked Los Angeles, after visiting almost every habitable spot on Earth, to make his home.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2023

Karin Fuchs, a clinical psychologist in the United Kingdom has also been hearing her immigrant parents kvell at the history they see being revisited.

From Washington Post • Feb. 28, 2022

It’s heartening, therefore, to hear Youner kvell about her new friend, Shirley Zweibel, 87.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 8, 2017

“I’m sure, after this, they’ll kvell even more.”

From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2014

Then she went on to kvell about Janet Yellin, who “will make a terrific federal reserve chair,” speaking to the president more than to the Morning Joe crew.

From Salon • Sep. 16, 2013