De-Lovely

De-Lovely is a portmanteau of "delightful" and "lovely," commonly used as an expression of affection, approval, or admiration. It gained widespread popularity as the title of Cole Porter's 1936 song "De-Lovely," featured in the musical Red, Hot and Blue. The song itself is a playful declaration of love, employing the titular phrase as a central and recurring motif.

The term's usage predates the song, though its recognition and association with romantic sentiment are undeniably attributable to Porter's work. Its enduring appeal has cemented its place in the lexicon as a lighthearted and somewhat theatrical way to express positive feelings. While not in formal usage, it remains a recognizable and often appreciated colloquialism, particularly among those familiar with musical theatre and mid-20th century popular culture. The hyphenation is crucial to the intended meaning, highlighting the deliberate blending of the two root words.