Chevre meaning cool
Via Skype, I was talking to a young man from Colombia. He said that on the coast, where he's from, "chevre" (French for goat) means "cool." What is the origin of this usage, and how widespread?
4 Answers
According to Urban Dictionary: chévere comes to Latin America via francophone Africa. The word was almost certainly popularized first in Cuba where Afro-Caribbean culture was strongest. For example, the word was already being used in very early rumba/mambo songs (e.g. Guaguanco Callejero) for as long as we have had recorded evidence. Cuba was the first major exporter of Afro-Caribbean culture to the Spanish-speaking world (and indeed to the entire world), so it was from Mambo songs played on the radio that the word probably disseminated into the popular culture.
The reason why the word may be associated with Puerto Rico more now is that since the 60's - after Cuba was cut off from the world - Puerto Rico became the main proponent of Afro-Caribbean culture (and has itself been surpassed in the last decade or two by the Dominican Republic).
I never heard this in Mexico. 'Padre' or 'padrísimo' were common for 'cool'.
I don't know the origin, but I believe it is:
chévere
¡Qué chévere! How cool!
I have heard it used by Venezuelans and it's common in Ecuador too and if you want to say something is extra specially awesome it's super chévere! 
Well, first issue is that it's spelled wrong amigo. Se escribe asi, "chévere". 
That might help lead you away from the French belief. I don't look too much into word origins so without even reading or anything it looks like Jeremias has compiled alot of info for you. As far as spread, I would comfortably say it's used in a large part of the world. However, México uses "chído", Chile "bácan", & Spain as well has a word but I don't remember it. Heidita will probably help you there.
