General
swell
What does swell mean?
Stylish, elegant, or upper-class (as a noun, a fashionable person).
"All the swells turned out for the gala."
Origin
Though 'swell' predates the 1920s, it became a defining all-purpose word of approval in jazz-age America. Its older noun sense, a fashionable high-society person, fed the 1920s adjective meaning 'fine' or 'classy.'
Frequently asked questions
What does 'swell' mean in slang?
It means excellent, fine, or wonderful. It was a hugely common word of approval in 1920s America.
Where did 'swell' come from?
The slang sense grew from an older noun, a 'swell' meaning a fashionable high-society person. By the 1920s it meant 'great' or 'classy.'
Is 'swell' still used today?
Yes, though it now sounds dated or sweetly old-fashioned, which is part of its charm.
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