kvell

/kvɛl/

Etymology

From Yiddish קוועלן (kveln), from Middle High German quellen, from Old High German quellan, from Proto-West Germanic *kwellan. Cognate with German quellen and English quell (“source, spring”).

Why this word is great

KVELL — [Verb] To swell with pride or delight, often expressed through effusive joy. From Yiddish קוועלן (kveln), from Middle High German quellen ("to well, gush, or swell"), from Old High German quellan, from Proto-West Germanic *kwellan. Unlike "preen" (which preens in self-satisfaction) or "exult" (which exults in broad triumph), "kvell" is the irrepressible pride that bubbles up—the kind that flushes a teacher’s cheeks when a shy student nails the solo, tightens a coach’s throat at an underdog’s winning sprint, or sends a mother’s hands fluttering to her lips at her child’s clumsy, perfect drawing. It is the heart’s own leaven, rising unbidden.

verb

  1. To feel delighted and proud; to boast; to gloat.“‘Magnificent residence,’ she pretended to kvell, ‘maybe I'm in the wrong business?’”