Contents
Cool Beans is a rather outdated slang term that still has some popularity due to nostalgia or attempts to be “retro”. Learn the definition, how and when to use this online slang word with ESL picture and helpful text conversations in English.
“Cool Beans” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Cool beans” is a playful slang phrase used to express approval, agreement, or excitement. It’s a quirky way of saying something is great, cool, or acceptable, often with a cheerful or lighthearted tone.
“Cool Beans” Meaning
Cool Beans is a nonsensical terms used to express delight in something. Words such as “cool”, “awesome”, “amazing”, “fantastic” and other words used to express delight can be easily interchangeable. It can also be used in a sarcastic manner of speaking, normally as mockery of someone who is viewed as too old for modern slang or is using older slang.
Origin of this Term
Historically the first usage of “cool beans” appeared before and during World War II. How it was started, and if it had to ever do with actual cold beans, is unknown but most likely it started the same way as “bee’s knees”, another slang term used to discuss something delightful or interesting. During the 1960s and 1970s, cool beans became more common in the American lexicon to express delight or disappointment. The negative usage might be due to disappointment in having to eat cold beans, since beans and bean dishes are normally served hot. It has seen limited usage in the current internet lexicon, but has been used since the 1990s.
Usage of “Cool Beans”
1. In response to good news or positive information:
- “I got the job I applied for!”
“Cool beans! That’s awesome!”
(Expressing enthusiasm or excitement in response to good news.)
2. When agreeing with a plan or suggestion:
- “Let’s meet at 7 p.m. for dinner.”
“Cool beans, I’ll be there!”
(Used to show agreement or confirmation in a casual, friendly manner.)
3. When something is going well or proceeding smoothly:
- “I finished my project ahead of time.”
“Cool beans! Everything’s coming together!”
(Used to express satisfaction or approval when things are going well.)
4. In a casual conversation about an event or situation:
- “I’ll bring the drinks to the party.”
“Cool beans, I’ll bring the snacks!”
(Used to acknowledge and agree with a simple plan in a laid-back manner.)
5. When someone shares an accomplishment or achievement:
- “I ran my first 5k today!”
“Cool beans! That’s a huge accomplishment!”
(Used to praise someone or show support for their achievement in a playful tone.)
6. In response to a small favor or gesture:
- “I grabbed your coffee while I was out.”
“Cool beans, thanks for doing that!”
(Expressing appreciation or recognition for a small, thoughtful action.)
7. When something is considered acceptable or satisfactory:
- “I’ll just bring my own laptop for the presentation.”
“Cool beans, that works for me!”
(Used to show that something is fine or acceptable, usually with a relaxed attitude.)
8. In an expression of casual enthusiasm:
- “I finally finished all my chores!”
“Cool beans! Now you can relax!”
(Used to show casual excitement or acknowledgment of a completed task.)
9. In a playful or humorous context:
- “I just got a new pair of socks with pizza on them!”
“Cool beans! I need a pair like that.”
(Used humorously to express lighthearted approval or amusement.)
10. In response to a minor inconvenience or odd situation:
- “I forgot my keys, but I’ll just go back and grab them.”
“Cool beans, it happens!”
(Used to indicate that the situation is not a big deal and is acceptable in a casual, nonchalant way.)
Other Meanings
The only other usage of cool beans is literal. Cold, or room temperature, beans or bean dishes.
Related Terms to “Cool Beans”
- Cool: A straightforward expression of approval or agreement.
- Awesome: Used to describe something great or exciting.
- Rad: Short for “radical,” meaning excellent or impressive.
- Sweet: A casual way to express that something is good or exciting.
- Groovy: A retro term for something cool or enjoyable.
- Neat: A slightly old-fashioned but positive reaction.
- Dope: Modern slang for something amazing or excellent.
- Coolio: A playful variation of “cool.”
- Right on: Used to show agreement or excitement.
- Fantastic: A more formal way to describe something great.
Other Ways to Say the Term
- Awesome sauce
- Neato
- Chill
- Epic
- Yay
- Peachy
- All good
- Bravo
- Nice
- Superb
- Hunky-dory
- Bomb
- Alrighty then
“Cool Beans” Examples
Sentence Examples
Here are some sentence examples using “cool beans” with the term bolded:
- “You finished the project early? Cool beans!“
- “I’ll pick you up at 6, okay? Cool beans!“
- “You got tickets to the concert? Cool beans, that’s awesome!”
- “We’ll meet at the cafe before the movie? Cool beans, see you there!”
- “She brought cookies for everyone—cool beans!”
- “I finally got my promotion. Cool beans, congrats!”
- “The party starts at 8, and we’re all invited. Cool beans!“
- “You’re bringing snacks for the game night? Cool beans, I can’t wait!”
- “They said we can leave early today. Cool beans, let’s head out!”
- “We just booked our tickets to Hawaii! Cool beans, that’s exciting!”
Conversations Examples
Text Between Friends
- Friend 1: Did I tell you what my dad did last week?
- Friend 2: No?
- Friend 1: He said that he needed to ‘boot up the hard drive’. LOL!
- Friend 2: LOL! That’s so dated.
- Friend 1: I know. I told him ‘cool beans‘.
Online Discussion Board
- User 1: So I’m playing the new online game. Still in beta version.
- User 2: How is it?
- User 3: I heard it’s still buggy.
- User 2: I thought they fixed the major bugs?
- User 1: Yeah. They fixed that major error. So it’s playable.
- User 3: Oh. Cool beans. Might play it.
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