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

Works would arrive and he would “just kvell,” he said.

From New York Times

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

She has tirelessly promoted the show, dancing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, kvelling over a letter from Streisand on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” playing charades with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show.”

From New York Times

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

He would prefer to kvell over the talents of his frequent collaborators Madeline Kahn, Gene Wilder and Carl Reiner, than linger on, or even mention, their departures from this crazy world.

From New York Times