Is keen a British word?

The first records of the word keen in English come from before 900. It comes from the Old English word cēne and is related to the Old Norse kœnn, meaning “wise, skillful.” Keen wasn’t used in a slang way to mean “excellent” until the 1900s.

What do you mean by Keen?

1 : having a fine edge or point : sharp a keen knife. 2 : having or showing mental sharpness a keen observation. 3 : very sensitive (as in seeing, smelling, or hearing) keen eyesight. 4 : full of enthusiasm : eager … everybody was very keen to hear details of what had happened …—

Are you keen meaning Australia?

Are you interested in going…? “Yeah, I’m keen”. This word basically means you’re down for something. You’re interested.

Is keen formal?

These three terms are synonymous; they mean the same thing. ‘Interested in’ is the most formal of the three phrases; “keen on” is slightly less formal; and “be into” is a slang.

Is the word keen used in America?

Hi Ryosuke, ‘Keen’ is not specific to either American or British English. It is used in both, but it is used rarely. English speakers in North America often use it because it is old, and so it can be used in sarcasm if we want to make an funny understatement by using very formal language to express a very simple idea.

How do you use keen?

Keen-on sentence example

1. I am keen on the reportage style of pictures.
2. I’m not too keen on that part.
3. He wasn’t too keen on the idea when she first told him about it.
4. Golf he did not take up till comparatively late in life; and, though he became keen on the game, he never attained more than a moderate proficiency.

Would you be keen meaning?

very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much: They were very keen to start work as soon as possible.

How do you use the word Keen?

Keen sentence example

1. He continued to take a keen interest in art and science.
2. He wasn’t too keen on the idea when she first told him about it.
3. He was a fine horseman and keen hunter.
4. She kept a keen eye out for the same kind of weed and was surprised at how much they found.

Do Australians say keen a lot?

In North America, “keen” is hardly even used. In Australia, they are keen on everything. Example of use: “I’m keen to drink some beers tonight.”

What does cheers mean in England?

“thank you
Cheers. Americans and British people both say “cheers” when they are out drinking and clink their glasses together. The difference is that people from the UK also use “cheers” to mean “thank you”.

Is the word keen informal?

be keen on something (British English informal) (often used in negative statements) to like or enjoy something: I’m not keen on spicy food.

Where did the word keen come from?

keen (v.) “lament loudly over the dead, bitterly wail,” 1811, from Irish caoinim “I weep, wail, lament,” from Old Irish coinim “I wail.” Hence “to utter in a shrill voice” (1893). Related: Keened; keener; keening. As a noun from 1830.

Is it correct to say keen to?

Note that while we understand it, we don’t use “keen” in the U.S. except to describe the sharpness of a cutting instrument. For “keen to” we use “eager to.” For “keen on,” we would have to use other phrases like “enthusiastic about,” althought not for people.

Are you still keen meaning?

If you are keen on doing something, you very much want to do it. If you are keen that something should happen, you very much want it to happen.

Is not keen meaning?

(I am) keen to (improve my English!): (I am) motivated, eager (to improve my English!) adjective. I’m not too keen on going to this party, I don’t know anybody who’s going and I am tired. I’m not too keen (on the idea)!: I’m not too enthusiastic, sure, happy (about the idea)!

How do you use be keen?

Why are you so keen meaning?

1 eager or enthusiastic. 2 postpositive; foll by: on fond (of); devoted (to)

What is an example of keen?

The definition of keen is something sharp or intense. An example of keen is a sharp knife. An example of keen is a witty sense of humor. adjective. (slang) Great; splendid; fine.

What does Crikey mean in British?

surprise, wonder
crikey in American English (ˈkraɪki ) interjection. British, Slang. used to express surprise, wonder, etc.

What is the meaning of keen?

3 : wonderful, excellent a keen idea. 4a : having a fine edge or point : sharp a knife with a keen blade. b : affecting one as if by cutting keen sarcasm. c : pungent to the sense a keen scent.

What does a keen interest in mean?

3 : very excited about and interested in something She’s a keen tennis player. = She’s keen about tennis. He’s a keen student of art history. = He has a keen interest in art history.

What does keen eyesight mean?

1 able to sense slight impressions or differences. pilots with especially keen eyesight. Synonyms for keen. acute, delicate, fine, perceptive, quick,

What does it mean to have keen competition?

if competition between people or businesses is keen, they are using a lot of effort to be more successful than the others: Some firms are diversifying their businesses in response to keen competition. UK. if prices are keen, they are lower and offer more value than others: