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

Winning the FA Cup would turn down the noise, secure European qualification and offer bragging rights - but many of the deeper cracks will likely take years to fix.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

“He’s really interested in the bragging rights of the moment,” said Michael Scherer, a journalist at the Atlantic.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

Videos ranking the best players of specific games show that bragging rights accrue long after the achievement itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

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

Though he’d only been gone from the United States two months, Bobby had taken from his competitive experiences more than just bragging rights.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady