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

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

From Slate • May 7, 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

It was the most feverish Friday night of the season: Odessa against Midland, the grudge game to settle bragging rights between the two towns for the next twelve months.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger