* Oldest Known Usage: The word "cool" has been around for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the 14th century, meaning "to make or become cold".
* Evolution of Meaning: Over time, the meaning of "cool" expanded to include "stylish" or "fashionable" in the early 20th century. This was likely influenced by its use in jazz music circles.
* Popularization: The word "cool" gained immense popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a central part of youth culture and counter-culture movements.
So, while no one person can be credited with inventing the word "cool", it's safe to say that its evolution into the versatile term we know today was shaped by countless individuals and cultural movements over many decades.