The phrase “cool beans” is an idiomatic expression that originated in American English. It is a slang term used to express excitement, approval, or agreement. The phrase doesn’t have a literal meaning, but it has become a popular colloquialism.
“Cool beans” is one of those old-timey expressions that you may not like to use in the present day. It’s even overused, so you may be looking for similar phrases that are equally expressive but less common. I’ve done the digging for you.
What Is The Meaning Of Cool Beans?
“Cool beans” is an idiomatic expression used to convey enthusiasm or approval. It is an informal way of saying something is excellent, great, or impressive. It gained traction through usage in popular culture, including television shows and movies.
People would say “cool beans” to express excitement, agreement, or satisfaction. For example, if someone receives good news or is impressed by something, they might exclaim, “Cool beans! That’s fantastic!” or “You got the promotion? Cool beans!”
For example:
- Guess what? I just won two tickets to the concert!
- Really? Cool beans! I’ve been dying to see that band live. Can I come with you?
Here are the 15 similar English words to “cool beans” you can use:
- Awesome sauce
- Sweet deal
- Radicool
- Groovy baby
- Stellar stuff
- Superb beans
- Neat-o
- Excellent adventure
- Dope beans
- Killer combo
- Wicked cool
- Ace in the hole
- Solid gold
- Top-notch
- Out of sight
“Cool beans” is an old expression, but many people love its message. I recently stumbled on a 2016 tweet from American actor Robert Lowe where he shared a similar sentiment.
Indeed, expressions like “cool beans,” “Okey, okay,” “I shit you not,” and even “On fleek” are cringy when you use them in the present age.
So, if you are attempting to say “cool beans,” consider similar phrases. But it all depends on the meaning and contextual usage.
1. Awesome sauce
The awesome sauce is equally an old-timey expression but shares a similar meaning with “cool beans,” which means an expression of extreme enthusiasm or admiration. The ideal time to replace it is when you want to convey excitement or delight.
Example:
- Guess what? I just won tickets to the concert!
- Wow, that’s awesome sauce! You’re going to have an incredible time!
2. Sweet deal
“Sweet deal” is another similar perfect phrase to use instead of “cool beans,” especially when expressing contentment or satisfaction.
It means an expression of satisfaction or approval regarding a favorable situation or outcome, and unlike “cool beans,” the phrase sprouted in the early 20th century.
Example:
- I managed to get us VIP access to the event.
- Oh, that’s a sweet deal! We’ll get to enjoy all the perks!
3. Radicool
“Radicool” means a blend of “radical” and “cool,” indicating something exceptionally cool or exciting. The expression was popularized in the 1980s from surf and skate culture.
The ideal time to use “radicool” as a replacement for “cool beans” is when describing something that is both radical and cool simultaneously.
Example:
- Check out this new skateboard trick I learned.
- Whoa, that’s radicool! You nailed it!
4. Groovy baby
Like “cool beans,” the phrase “groovy baby” means to express enthusiasm or approval, particularly associated with the hippie counterculture of the 1960s. The term was coined by the character Austin Powers in the comedy film series. You can use this instead of “cool beans” when aiming for a playful and retro vibe.
Example:
- I found this fantastic vintage dress at the thrift store.
- Groovy baby! You’ll rock that ’60s look!
5. Stellar stuff
If you’re reacting to something of high quality or excellence, you can say “stellar stuff” instead of “cool beans.”
While both expressions convey a similar meaning,” steller stuff” is derived from the word “stellar,” meaning relating to stars or outstanding, and will be most ideal as a replacement for “cool beans” when you’re describing something remarkable or impressive.
Example:
- I just finished reading this book. It’s mind-blowingly good.
- Oh, stellar stuff!
6. Superb beans
“Superb beans” is another exciting phrase similar to “cool beans” with just a change in the adjective. However, “superb beans” is an exclamation indicating admiration or approval, emphasizing exceptional quality.
So it’s simply a playful variation of “cool beans.”
Example:
- I got us front-row tickets to the concert!
- Superb beans!
7. Neat-o
Like “super beans,” the expression “Neat-o” is a retro slang term used to indicate satisfaction or approval. It best substitutes for “cool beans” when aiming for a vintage or nostalgic tone. However, it’s not a popular slang choice in contemporary English. So consider your listener when using this option.
Example:
- Look at this classic car I just bought.
- Neat-o! It’s a natural beauty. Let’s go for a ride!
8. Excellent adventure
Many people have the idea that the famous phrase “excellent adventure” was inspired by the title of the movie “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989). Like “cool beans,” the expression “excellent adventure” indicates an exciting or enjoyable experience.
If you’re reacting to a thrilling or memorable event with “cool beans,” you can say “excellent adventure” instead.
Example:
- I’m going on a road trip across the country!
- Oh, that’ll be an excellent adventure. Enjoy every moment!
9. Dope beans
With a little tweak on the adjective, “dope beans” shares a similar meaning to “cool beans.”
Both expressions denote extreme coolness or awesomeness. “Dope” has been slang for something impressive or excellent for decades. So it’s nothing new.
Example:
- Check out this new graffiti artwork I discovered.
- Whoa, those are some dope beans! The colors and details are incredible!
10. Killer combo
You can use “killer combo” interchangeably with “cool beans,” as both phrases indicate a combination of elements that is exceptionally effective or impressive.
“Killer” has been used as slang to describe something remarkable or exceptional since the 1980s, so it works well as a replacement for “cool.”
Example:
- I mixed peanut butter and chocolate ice cream. It tastes amazing
- Oh, that’s a killer combo! I need to try it ASAP!
11. Wicked cool
Wicked Cool captures the idea of enthusiasm or approval, emphasizing something exceptionally cool or impressive. “Wicked” is a slang term popularized in New England, USA, meaning extremely or very. So instead of saying “cool beans” as a reaction to a high level of excitement or admiration, you can say “wicked cool.”
Example:
- I got us backstage passes to the concert!
- No way! That’s wicked cool! We’ll meet the band!
12. Ace in the hole
Not too many people still use “ace in the hole” these days, but it’s similar to “cool beans” because it equally refers to a secret or hidden advantage that can be used to ensure success or gain an advantage.
The expression originates in poker, where an “ace in the hole” is a hidden card that guarantees a winning hand. It best serves as an alternative to “cool beans,” particularly when discussing a hidden or powerful asset.
Example:
- I’ve been preparing a surprise for the party.
- Oh, you’ve got an ace in the hole? I can’t wait to see it!
13. Solid gold
“Solid gold”: shares a similar meaning with “cool beans” because it equally means an expression denoting something of exceptional value, quality, or reliability.
The expression takes its place from the precious metal gold, symbolizing excellence and rarity.
Example:
- I found a fantastic babysitter for our kids.
- That’s solid gold! We can finally have a worry-free evening.
14. Top-notch
“Top-notch” is an adjective, not a phrase. But like “cool beans,” it accurately describes something of the highest quality or excellence.
Example:
- I tried this new restaurant, and the food was outstanding.
- Oh, it’s top-notch? I need to make a reservation right away!
15. Out of sight
“Out of sight:” is one of the best similar phrases to “cool beans” because it indicates a reaction to something that is exceptionally impressive, cool, or amazing.
Example:
- I just witnessed an incredible dance performance.
- Out of sight!
Where Is The Phrase “Cool Beans” From?
It was when Canadian Cheech and Chong started using “cool beans” in a comedy show in 1970 that the phrase became a popular expression.
It got so ingrained in the typical English conversation a decade later that TV daughter D.J. Tanner began to use it on air during the “Full House” sitcom shows.
It emerged as a catchphrase among the counterculture and hippie movements of that era.
“Cool” was used to express approval or admiration, while “beans” was likely added for rhyming and alliteration.
Over time, “cool beans” has evolved into a light-hearted and informal expression to convey enthusiasm, agreement, or a general sense of satisfaction.
It has become a popular idiom in various English-speaking countries and is often used in casual conversations and pop culture references.
Do Americans Say Cool Beans?
Yes, the phrase “cool beans” is commonly used in American English as an informal expression to convey approval, excitement, or agreement.
It’s a slang phrase that has been around for several decades and is still used today and has remained part and parcel of the American vernacular.
Is “Cool Beans” Offensive?
No, the phrase “cool beans” is not offensive. It is a lighthearted and informal expression generally used positively or approvingly.
Many would say “cool beans” to show enthusiasm, agreement, or approval of something. However, the interpretation of any phrase can vary depending on the context and the people involved in the conversation.
In other words, while “cool beans” is generally considered harmless and friendly, the context and the people you are communicating with will determine whether it is appropriate or condescending.