kvelln

Kvelln is the Yiddish infinitive form of the verb kvell, which means to feel or express great pride and joy at someone else’s achievement. In English-language usage, the common load-bearing form is kvell (to kvell), while kvelln appears mainly in discussions or dictionaries that preserve the Yiddish grammatical form.

Origin and form: Kvell is a loanword from Yiddish, a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jewish communities. In Yiddish, many verbs take an infinitive ending in -n, so kvelln represents the direct, uncircumscised form of the verb. English uses kvell as the primary active form, with kvelln appearing primarily in more literal or scholarly transliterations.

Usage and meaning: Kvell denotes a deep, often communal, sense of pride and happiness in another person’s accomplishments, such as a child’s graduation, a grandchild’s achievements, or a family milestone. It conveys emotion more intense than simple pride, implying a nearly overflowing joy. In English sentences, phrases include kvell with pride, kvell at/over/for someone, and, less commonly, kvelln in more formal or transliteration-focused writing.

Cultural context: The term is commonly associated with Jewish experiences and Jewish-American discourse but has broader exposure through literature, journalism, and online communities. It is frequently used to describe family reactions at ceremonies, milestones, or notable successes. In humor or light journalism, kvell is sometimes invoked as a recognizable cultural touchstone for expressing heartfelt pride.

See also: kvell, Yiddish language, Jewish American culture.