or if someone asks how you are doing?
2007-10-21 09:39:47 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
it's a positive response.
2007-10-21 09:42:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From ye olde English, "'Tis well." Very popular in chatty movies of the 1930s, began to be used sarcastically in the '40s. Nowadays, totally passe (French for "over with.")
Old fart: That's swell.
adj. Fantastic, great, wonderful, et.
eg.Gee, wouldn't it be swell if Mike won the lottery?
2007-10-21 16:44:41 · answer #2 · answered by finn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a swell question!
number four meaning in my dictionary says
4 informal dated
A person of wealth or high social position, typically one perceived as fashionable or stylish. (a crowd of city swells)
adjetive informal dated
excellant, very good. ( you're looking swell)
*archiac smart, fashionable. (a swell boulevard)
or Exelent, very good
2007-10-21 16:48:57 · answer #3 · answered by superlativemoon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means like: nice or good.
here's the technical definition:
adjective, Informal.
26. (of things) stylish; elegant: a swell hotel.
27. (of persons) fashionably dressed or socially prominent.
28. first-rate; fine: a swell party.
Old people still use it alot ;P
2007-10-21 16:43:48 · answer #4 · answered by mobydick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
swell is from the u.k. word meaning swell. Example Iam very swell (good) today. Iam very good(swell) today. Hope that answers your question
2007-10-21 16:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means "very well". In Australia they say "Im good" or "Not too bad thank you".
I have an 82 year old friend who says "Oh, not too bad... I didn't sleep very well; had to get up and go to the toilet 5 or 6 times."
People don't really want to know details. Saying "How are you" is just a way of saying "Hello".
2007-10-21 16:48:22 · answer #6 · answered by thom t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
swell, means like good or fine.
example;
Question: How are you today?
Answer: Swell (Fine, good)
2007-10-21 16:43:53 · answer #7 · answered by justme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an old expression. Used positively it means "great." Used negatively, it's sarcastic and means "terrible." Depends on grandma or grandpa's tone of voice.
2007-10-21 16:44:18 · answer #8 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The definitions of "swell". http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/swell
2007-10-21 16:43:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does indeed mean great...but as of a whiiiile ago, it isn't used commonly. Often times I've heard people use it quite sarcastically.
2007-10-21 16:42:57 · answer #10 · answered by smrpg4148 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
swell is a synonym to great, good,fine
2007-10-21 17:57:14 · answer #11 · answered by lavagal.com 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋