You're swell?

Question

Hey everyone.

I have a small question and I'd be very thankful if anyone could help me.

How would one have to understand the following:
"I think you're swell!"

My question is regarding the "swell" part. My own intuition tells me it's "cool" or "great", but what does it actually mean? How should I understand it and is it mostly used in the UK?

Thanks a bunch.

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

AnonymousMy own intuition tells me it's "cool" or "great", but what does it actually mean? How should I understand it and is it mostly used in the UK?

Yes, that's pretty much what it means. It's not used at all in the UK. It's an Americanism, and rather a dated one if I'm not mistaken. A native American English speaker might be able to confirm that.

RayH · Answer

Mr Wordyrather a dated one if I'm not mistaken

Yes, it is. About the only place you are likely to hear it is on old TV shows and movies from the '40s, '50s and '60s.

MrPedantic · Answer

If you were to hear it in the UK, it would most probably be in conscious parody of old films, US tv shows, etc., and probably in a context of sarcasm ("Well, that's just swell", etc.).

(It would be quite a weak form of humour.)

MrP

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Rodgers and Hart wrote these lyrics in 1927.

Thou swell! Thou witty!
Thou sweet! Thou grand!
Wouldst kiss me pretty?
Wouldst hold my hand?

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

hi there,

"Elenore" The Turtles....1968

"Elenore Gee, i think you're swell, and you really do me well, you're my pride and joy etc...."

Famous song ( and really gorgeous melody )

cheers,

vince

You're swell?

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