Kvell
Meaning
To be exceedingly proud and pleased, often in a showy way, especially about one's children or grandchildren.
Origin
The word "kvell" bubbles directly into English from Yiddish, arriving with the wave of Jewish immigrants who settled in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It comes from the Yiddish "kveln," meaning "to be delighted," which itself traces back to the Middle High German "quellen," meaning "to well up or gush." This etymology perfectly mirrors the feeling—a joy so profound it overflows, gushing forth in open pride, particularly for one's children or grandchildren. The word struck such a resonant chord that it quickly moved beyond its original community, embraced by English speakers for its sheer expressiveness and the delightful way it captures that deeply human, overflowing emotion.
Examples
- Sarah couldn't help but kvell when her daughter graduated summa cum laude, sharing photos with everyone she met.
- Even years later, he still loves to kvell about his grandson's championship-winning goal.