Genial derives from the Latin adjective genialis, meaning "connected with marriage." When genial was first adopted into English in the mid-16th century, it meant "of or relating to marriage," a sense that is now obsolete.

Do Mexicans say genial?

Tottefins: In Mexico they say padre or chido on the streets. However, on Mexican television they say genial.

Is genial a French word?

In French conversation, génial can mean 'great', 'awesome' or 'fanstastic' or anything positive in exactly the same way as 'brilliant' has come to be used in English.