swag

¹ American  

[swag] / swæg /

noun

1. a suspended wreath, garland, drapery, or the like, fastened up at or near each end and hanging down in the middle; festoon.

2. a wreath, spray, or cluster of foliage, flowers, or fruit.

3. a festoon, especially one very heavy toward the center.

4. a swale.

5. a swaying or lurching movement.

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verb (used without object)

swagged, swagging

1. to move heavily or unsteadily from side to side or up and down; sway.

2. to hang loosely and heavily; sink down.

verb (used with object)

swagged, swagging

1. to cause to sway, sink, or sag.

2. to hang or adorn with swags.

swag ² American  

[swag] / swæg /

Also sweg

noun

1. Slang.

   1. plunder; booty.

   2. money; valuables.

   3. free merchandise distributed as part of the promotion of a product, company, etc.

   4. self-confidence and personal style as shown by one's appearance and demeanor.

      the top ten athletes with the most swag.

   5. schwag.

2. Australian. a traveler's bundle containing personal belongings, cooking utensils, food, or the like.

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adjective

1. Slang. cool; cute; looking great: Check out my swag boyfriend.

   She looks so swag in her new jacket.

   Check out my swag boyfriend.

verb (used without object)

swagged, swagging

1. Australian. to travel about carrying one's bundle of personal belongings.

SWAG ³ American  

[swag] / swæg /

noun

Slang.

1. scientific wild-ass guess: a rough, intuitive estimate made on the spur of the moment by an expert.

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swag British  

/ swæɡ /

noun

1. slang property obtained by theft or other illicit means

2. slang goods; valuables

3. an ornamental festoon of fruit, flowers, or drapery or a representation of this

4. a swaying movement; lurch

5. dialect a depression filled with water, resulting from mining subsidence

6. informal (formerly) a swagman's pack containing personal belongings

7. informal to become a tramp

8. informal lots of

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verb

1. to lurch or sag or cause to lurch or sag

2. (tr) to adorn or arrange with swags

3. informal (intr) to tramp about carrying a pack of personal belongings

Etymology

Origin of swag¹

First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps from Scandinavian; compare Norwegian svaga, svagga “to sway, rock”

Origin of swag²

First recorded in 1790–1800; special uses of swag ¹

Origin of SWAG³

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The walls of the master bed chamber, for example—previously cream-colored—are now decked in an orange arabesque wallpaper with swags, birds and bouquets on a light-blue background.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, she gets Yeti swag and treated to company picnics and parties.

From The Wall Street Journal

That’s a common theme in the Olympic Village, where corporate sponsors of the Games have gotten creative with their free goods and services — and swag bags — for the athletes.

From Los Angeles Times

Attendees lined up on Main Street for swag celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Little Miss Sunshine,” the 2006 film whose blockbuster sale at the festival stands as a symbol of its commercial powers.

From The Wall Street Journal

“He’s just got this swag that I think elevates the energy of our overall group and team.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• festoon