keen

Question

Hello everyone!I met somone who is so quick, sharp, and humorous.I would like to say compliment.. "You are so keen"?or tell me a better word for it.thank you

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

'Keen' is OK, but 'keen' also mean 'nice, likeable', irrespective of their talents. 'Bright' is a good choice, too.

Mr Wordy · Answer

There are obviously some usage differences here. I would only ever use the expression "You're keen" with the meaning of "eager", "enthusiastic", and most often referring to eagerness in respect of a particular task, not as a general personality trait.

Mister Micawber · Answer

In AmE at least:

KEEN: 8. Slang. great; wonderful; marvelous.

Mr Wordy · Answer

Mister Micawber
KEEN: 8. Slang. great; wonderful; marvelous.

Right, thanks. Another dictionary that I just consulted lists this meaning as "chiefly US and Canadian", which would explain why I'm not familiar with it.

So in AmE, people would say "You're keen" to mean something like "You're great"? Is that right?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Well, people of my age when they were young would, at least.

Philip · Answer

I'm not sure what part of my email message prompted it, but one recipient responded, saying that I was a "clever boy". That might work in your case, as well.

Anonymous · Answer

Hello Mister Micawber and everyone!

Thank you for your feedback!!

I am learning a new word and I like it!

Have a great day and I will be a member soon!

Khoff · Answer

To me, "keen" (meaning great or terrific) sounds like American slang from the 1950's.  I think it's pretty outdated.  (Sorry, Mr. M. -- but you don't want our members sounding square, do you?)  (Incidentally, the superlative of "keen" is "peachy keen.")

keen

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