swagger

[swag-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air.

2. to boast or brag noisily.

verb (used with object)

1. to bring, drive, force, etc., by blustering.

noun

1. swaggering manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.

swagger

¹

/ ˈswæɡə /

verb

1. (intr) to walk or behave in an arrogant manner

2. to brag loudly

3. rare,  (tr) to force, influence, etc, by blustering

noun

1. arrogant gait, conduct, or manner

adjective

1. informal,  elegantly fashionable

swagger

²

/ ˈswæɡə, ˈswæɡɪ /

noun

1. other names for swagman

Other Word Forms

• swaggerer noun
• outswagger verb (used with object)
• swaggering adjective
• swaggeringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger¹

First recorded in 1580–90; swag ¹ + -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger¹

C16: probably from _swag

Synonym Study

See strut ¹.

Example Sentences

In the LP, which dropped on Valentine’s Day, he infused corridos with Chicano rap in the swaggering title track and embraced reggaeton in the playful “Loco.”

From Los Angeles Times

He started their first pre-season game and impressed, bringing some of the swagger he showed in college to the NFL arena.

From BBC

An extended fingering scene, shot from the torso up while the two women discuss the difference between crochet and knitting, swaggers with fearlessness.

From Salon

“Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight,” “Heavy Duty” and “The Majesty of Rock” saluted the glory of power chords and swaggering attitude.

From Los Angeles Times

In an attention-deficit economy where standing out is half the battle, the posts sparkle with unapologetic swagger.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bluster 
• gloat 
• prance 
• sashay 
• saunter 
• strut