With following noun in (humorous) imitation of French stock phrases: what (a) ——! Also occasionally as adverb with following adjective: how ——! Compare quelle surprise.
Origin
Late 19th century. From French quel (feminine quelle) what, what kind of from classical Latin quālis.
Definition of quel in US English:
quel
(also quelle)
adjectivekɛl
With following noun in (humorous) imitation of French stock phrases: what (a) ——! Also occasionally as adverb with following adjective: how ——! Compare quelle surprise.
Origin
Late 19th century. From French quel (feminine quelle) what, what kind of from classical Latin quālis.