Does anyone know where the "cool beans" expression comes from?

Question

I say this all the time and I think I'm losing it because for the life of me I can't remember where I learned it. Help?

Answer 1

Someone on mindlesscrap.com tried to answer this, but I think they came up with a very inadequate answer:

"The phrase started up in the 1980s by teens in the United States. It's an offshoot of the use of the word "cool" that had been in existence since the 1940s. That usage was associated with the cool jazz movement of the 1940s, especially Charlie Parker's 1947 record Cool Blues."

I like my guess better:

It came from the Grateful Dead culture. At each G.D concert, there'd be people who would serve up vegetarian fare and love. Someone started saying that, inspired by the cold bean dish which made a great dip, and didn't require any extra fuel.

Answer 2

"Cool Beans" is a phrase that originated in American pop culture during the 1980s. It is used when referring to something with a positive connotation. For Example "That party was cool beans." Much like other slang words "Cool Beans" mostly faded out with the times, but can be heard occasionally by those who've attempted to bring it back. It gained slight currency on the Tarew Marr server of EverQuest, circa 2001.

When analyzed the phrase is ironic because cool and cold are usual given negative connotations. For example "frigid", "icy", and "frosty." However during the 1960s American pop culture changed the meaning behind hot and cold. Words like "chill" and "cool" became hip ways of giving a positive compliment. On the other hand "hot" and "smoking" took on the impersonal feeling of objectification . Much of the Women Rights success occurred in the 1970s and in response sexism was obvious in the 1980s. Words like "hot" and "bitchin" developed as demeaning attacks on women.

"Cool Beans" took on a different approach giving a playful tone to the contrast in words. The association of the noun "beans" with the adjective "cool" developed a duality making a phrase that was humorous and light-hearted. Unlike other slang phrases "Cool Beans" was not the result of television popularity, but rather just a twist on words developed by teenagers.

Edamame is a Japanese dish, steamed soy beans served hot. They can also be served at room temperature or cooler after sitting or refrigeration.

Answer 3

it isnt new. A slang term that truthfully began that is use interior the previous due 60's/early 70's. Popularized with the help of the pop way of existence of the time. Used to describe something very favorable or perfect. super. very super. Cheech: hey guy, look at this motor vehicle created from weed! Chong: Oh cool beans, guy!

Answer 4

I think the origin of this statement will forever be a mystery. My dad says it every now and then and that's were I learned it. I thought it was amazing when I heard someone a work say it a couple of years ago. I think it is fun to keep the mystery going. don't ya think! Cool Bean.

Answer 5

Slang term that actually began its use in the late 60's/early 70's. Popularized by the pop culture of the time. Used to describe something very favourable, pleasing or satisfactory. Great. Very nice.

Answer 6

Oprah

Answer 7

cool beans acutally became popular in the late 60's to mid 70's...
it was started by the the users of drugs back then,,, manily lsd...
it means ,,,,, cool, great,, pleasing, that you really like and approve of what someone is doing...

Answer 8

i don't know either . But when my son does something great i say to him too : Cool Beans ! just another great way to praise yur child and be sort of hip

Answer 9

I say it too. It got popular when I was in Jr. High. I think some frat boy got drunk and put a can of Lima's in his freezer and the rest is history. Lol.

Answer 10

maybe from the fairy tale "jack and the beanstalk"