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

“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

Pegula not only walked away with bragging rights over her podcast co-host, but she also won a bet that means Keys must sample something which is a Thanksgiving tradition for the Pegula family.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

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

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini