bragging rights

American  

[brag-ing rahyts] / ˈbræg ɪŋ ˌraɪts /

plural noun

1. the presumed right to brag or boast, often associated with winning a contest of skill, as cooking or fishing.

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bragging rights British  

plural noun

1. notional privileges that are gained by defeating a close rival

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Etymology

Origin of bragging rights

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The Glassman twins at El Camino Real, baseball outfielder Ryan and softball pitcher Remy, have made huge impacts for their respective teams and continue to compete among themselves for bragging rights in the family.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Amen Thompson added 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for Houston -- gaining statistical bragging rights over his twin brother Ausar who scored 12 points with eight rebounds and three assists for Detroit.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

On Monday night, either Indiana or Miami will grab hold of college football’s ultimate bragging rights and call themselves national champions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

I love the way Eddie Howe sets Newcastle up too, and he is a brilliant manager, but the Black Cats will take the bragging rights.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

I didn’t know what the other guy was playing for, maybe just bragging rights.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini