kvel

Kvel, most commonly spelled kvell, is a word of Yiddish origin used in English to describe feeling or expressing great pride and happiness, especially in someone else’s achievements. It conveys a sense of joyful pride that goes beyond ordinary pleasure.

Etymology and variants: The term derives from Yiddish kvelln, meaning to be filled with pride or to swell with emotion. In English usage, kvell functions as a verb: one can “kvell,” or say one “kvells with pride.” The noun form exists in some contexts, though the verb form is far more common. The spelling kvel is a less common variant or misspelling of kvell.

Usage and examples: Kvell is typically used in social or familial contexts, often in relation to a child or family member succeeding in academics, work, or rites of passage. Examples include: “I kvell at her graduation,” or “He really kvells when his son performs.” In English, kvell is usually understood as a light, affectionate, culturally specific sentiment rather than a formal term.

Cultural context: Kvell is widely recognized in Jewish communities and among readers of American English that encounter Yiddish terms. It appears in journalism, literature, and informal discourse to convey a warm, communal sense of pride. While strongly associated with Jewish culture, the word has also been adopted more broadly to describe similar feelings of sincere pride inspired by another’s achievements.

See also: Related terms in Yiddish and English that express pride, such as “glow,” “pride,” and other culturally specific expressions of joy.