How did cool become cool?

In the 1940s, African-American jazz musicians first popularized cool as a way of describing both the new, more restrained style of jazz and a form of emotional and aesthetic self-possession. Stearns use cool to connote a specific way of being—a usage akin to the meaning of cool promoted by 1940’s jazz artists.

When did the slang word cool start?

But starting around the 1930s, cool began appearing in American English as an extremely casual expression to mean something like ‘intensely good. ‘ This usage also distinguished the speaker, italicizing their apartness from mainstream culture. As its popularity grew, cool’s range of possible meanings exploded.

What did cool mean in the 60s?

In the 50s and 60s, cool picked up other meanings, such as a way to say two people were in agreement — “we cool?” The term became so widespread in the US that other languages actually picked up the slang term as well. Nowadays, it’s common to hear the word used in an expression such as, “OMG that’s soooo cool!!!”

How do professionals say cool?

41 alternatives to the word ‘cool’

1. Astonishing.
2. Bewitching.
3. Brilliant.
4. Captivating.
5. Charming.
6. Copacetic.
7. Delightful.
8. Dashing.

What does cool mean in slang?

The definition of cool is slightly chilly, but not cold, or a slang term for popular or in style. An example of cool is typical New England fall weather.

What is the origin of cool?

Cools /ˈkoːls/ is a Dutch patronymic surname meaning “son of Cool”, Cool being an archaic nickname for Nicholas. The name is particularly prominent in the Belgian province of Antwerp.

What is the word cool?

Definition of cool. 1 : moderately cold : lacking in warmth The plant grows best in cool climates. 2 a : marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control a cool and calculating businessperson.