Word

[0048] Cool beans

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English Idioms
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Explanation

  • An informal, somewhat dated exclamation meaning Cool, Great, Awesome, or Okay.
  • Expresses approval, enthusiasm, or agreement in a lighthearted way.

Origin

  • Uncertain origin, emerged in American slang likely around the 1960s or 1970s.
  • Possibly related to cool meaning fashionable or good, with beans added as a nonsensical intensifier or rhyming element, similar to phrases like okie dokie.
  • Some theories link it to chili con carne, but this is speculative. It functions more like a playful, slightly goofy expression.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Cool.
  • Great.
  • Awesome.
  • Sweet. (Informal)
  • Okay. / Alright. (When used for agreement/acknowledgement)
  • Sounds good.
  • Rad. (Slang, somewhat dated)
  • Neat. / Neato. (Slang, somewhat dated/childish)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Sweet.
  • Awesome sauce. (Playful, somewhat dated internet slang)
  • Dope. (AAVE/Hip-hop influence)
  • Sick. (Slang, positive meaning)
  • Wicked. (UK/New England slang, positive meaning)
  • Right on.

Milder/Standard:

  • Excellent.
  • Wonderful.
  • That's great news.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Best used with friends, family, or in very casual environments.
  • Can sound quirky, slightly childish, or dated depending on the context and speaker. Avoid in formal or professional settings.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The literal meaning makes no sense, so non-native speakers might be confused if they don't recognize it as an idiom.
  • Its slightly dated or quirky nature might not land well if the user isn't aware of the connotation.

Examples

  • Person A: I got us tickets to the concert! Person B: Cool beans!
  • Person A: We'll meet at the park around 3 PM. Person B: Cool beans, see you then.
  • You finished your homework already? Cool beans.

Dialogue

Mia: Hey, I managed to fix your bike! The chain just needed some oil.

Leo: Seriously? Cool beans! Thanks so much!

Mia: No problem! Ready for a ride later?

Leo: Definitely!

Social Media Examples

  • Comment on a friend's post about getting a new pet: OMG a puppy! Cool beans! 🐶
  • Chat reply to confirming plans: Okay, see you Friday at 7! -> Cool beans 😎
  • Retro-themed post caption: Found my old cassette tapes! Cool beans. #ThrowbackThursday #80sKid

Response Patterns

  • Usually met with a smile or nod.
  • The conversation typically moves on after this acknowledgement.
  • Yeah! or Alright!

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says Cool beans! expressing enthusiasm:

  • The first speaker might smile or share the enthusiasm (Yeah, it's gonna be great!).
  • The conversation then usually proceeds to logistics or related topics (Okay, so how are we getting there?).

After Cool beans. acknowledging arrangements:

  • Usually just signals the end of that point (See you then.).

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • Primarily used as a response to good news or an arrangement.

Intonation

  • Generally spoken with enthusiasm.
  • Stress often falls on both Cool and beans, with a bright, falling intonation. COOL BEANS!

Generation Differences

  • Most associated with Gen X and Millennials who might have used it more frequently in their youth.
  • Can be used ironically or playfully by younger generations (Gen Z).
  • Less common among Baby Boomers and older.

Regional Variations

  • Primarily North American slang. Less common or might sound quaint in the UK, Australia, etc.
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