cool beans

English

Etymology

Originated in America during the late 1960s. Hits of acid, ludes, and ecstacy were dubbed "cool beans" for their bean-like shape. They were also referred to as "whacky beans" or just "beans." On top of that, there is the homophone connection between the food "chili beans" and "chilly beans", literally meaning "cold beans". (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this etymology?)

Interjection

cool beans

1. okay; a humorous and light-hearted nonsense phrase indicating approval or mild excitement
2. wow; "that's remarkable" or "great"
   • 1978, Cheech & Chong, Up In Smoke

     Cheech: "Hey man, look at this car made out of weed!" - Chong: "Oh cool beans, man!"

   • 1985, Marlene Fanta Shyer, Grandpa Ritz and the Luscious Lovelies (page 30)

     'It's cool beans!' That’s what Betsy always says when she thinks something is fantastic, and I couldn’t help wondering what she’d say if she could see me now.

References

• J.E. Lighter "Historical dictionary of American Slang (Vol 2)" (New York: Random House Publishing 2007; ISBN 978-0195174182).