kells: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteArchaic / Literary / Dialectal (chiefly Scottish and Irish English)
Quick answer
What does “kells” mean?
An archaic or literary term for the intestines or the stomach, often used in the plural form. In contemporary usage, it is almost exclusively encountered as part of the phrase "vent one's kells," meaning to vomit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic or literary term for the intestines or the stomach, often used in the plural form. In contemporary usage, it is almost exclusively encountered as part of the phrase "vent one's kells," meaning to vomit.
By extension, it can refer to the lower viscera or bowels more generally. In modern contexts, its use is highly restricted to historical literature, regional dialects, or formulaic expressions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
If used at all, it would be more likely found in historical texts or dialectal speech from Scotland or Ireland (influencing UK English more than US). In American English, it is virtually unknown outside of very specialized historical or literary contexts.
Connotations
Carries a rustic, coarse, or visceral connotation. In the phrase "vent one's kells," it is euphemistic but graphic.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Slightly more attestable in historical UK texts.
Grammar
How to Use “kells” in a Sentence
[verb] + POSSESSIVE + kells (e.g., 'vent his kells')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistic or literary studies discussing archaic or dialectal vocabulary.
Everyday
Not used in standard conversation. Possibly in very regional, rural dialects among older speakers.
Technical
Not used in any standard medical or anatomical context.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kells”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a kell'). It is almost always plural.
- Assuming it is a modern, common word.
- Misspelling as 'kells' (with a capital K) when not referring to the place name (Book of Kells).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a homograph. The Book of Kells is a famous medieval manuscript from Kells, Ireland. The word 'kells' meaning intestines is etymologically distinct, deriving from Middle English.
No, it would sound extremely odd or archaic. Use standard terms like 'stomach' or 'guts' instead.
Virtually never in modern attestations. Historical dictionaries list it as a plural noun, akin to 'entrails'.
The fixed expression 'to vent one's kells,' meaning to vomit. This is the primary way a modern reader might encounter the word.
An archaic or literary term for the intestines or the stomach, often used in the plural form. In contemporary usage, it is almost exclusively encountered as part of the phrase "vent one's kells," meaning to vomit.
Kells is usually archaic / literary / dialectal (chiefly scottish and irish english) in register.
Kells: in British English it is pronounced /kɛlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɛlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “vent one's kells (to vomit)”
- “sick to the kells (feeling very nauseated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Scottish or Irish person named 'Kell' who has a strong stomach—'Kell's guts' become 'kells.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER (for emotions, food, illness). 'Kells' are a specific, archaic part of that container.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'kells' most likely be found today?