kvell
To "kvell" is to feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy, typically in response to the achievements or successes of someone you love, such as a child or a close friend. The mental image is that of a beaming parent watching their kid graduate or perform on stage, their heart swelling with a warmth that is impossible to hide. It is a Yiddish-derived term that fits perfectly into informal English to describe a "proud parent" moment. While it specifically centers on the pride one takes in others, it is often used with a touch of affectionate exaggeration or self-awareness, as in "I'm kvelling over my daughter's new promotion."
In conversation
Discussing a child's success
Did you see the photos from the recital?
Did you see the photos from the recital?
I did! Your daughter was amazing, you must be kvelling.
I did! Your daughter was amazing, you must be kvelling.
Used here to describe the outward display of pride.
Sharing big news
Leo just got into his top-choice university!
Leo just got into his top-choice university!
Oh, I am absolutely kvelling! Tell him congratulations for me.
Oh, I am absolutely kvelling! Tell him congratulations for me.
Shows how the word is used to express vicarious joy.
Examples
She was kvelling when her son won the award.
She was kvelling when her son won the award.
It makes me kvell to see all of you succeeding in your careers.
It makes me kvell to see all of you succeeding in your careers.
The parents stood in the back of the room, audibly kvelling at their daughter's valedictory speech.
The parents stood in the back of the room, audibly kvelling at their daughter's valedictory speech.
