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

So being selected early isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s also a major financial windfall that can determine a player’s earnings for the next several years.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

The winner gets more than bragging rights, as data shows that the first IPOs in “industry clusters” tend to outform later ones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 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

There’s more on the line than bragging rights.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The mayor voted on the winner, and that church got bragging rights for a whole year.

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine