swagger

American  

[swag-er] / ˈswæg ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air.

2. to boast or brag noisily.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bring, drive, force, etc., by blustering.

noun

1. swaggering manner, conduct, or walk; ostentatious display of arrogance and conceit.

swagger ¹ British  

/ ˈswæɡə /

verb

1. (intr) to walk or behave in an arrogant manner

2. to brag loudly

3. rare (tr) to force, influence, etc, by blustering

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noun

1. arrogant gait, conduct, or manner

adjective

1. informal elegantly fashionable

swagger ² British  

/ ˈswæɡə, ˈswæɡɪ /

noun

1. other names for swagman

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Related Words

See strut ¹.

Other Word Forms

• outswagger verb (used with object)
• swaggerer noun
• swaggering adjective
• swaggeringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of swagger

First recorded in 1580–90; swag ¹ + -er ⁶

Example Sentences

Ely was a favorite opener for veteran rock acts looking to imbue sets with Texas country swagger.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s bold: a blue or Roquefort that brings a little swagger.

From Salon

Yet, Stephen Robinson's team will emerge from the Hampden tunnel on Sunday with a steely-eyed determination and a swagger of self belief.

From BBC

Or that Musselman carried himself with a swagger and confidence more befitting, even then, of a coach than a college freshman.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s the type of swagger an opponent can’t wait to wipe off a coach’s mug, but good luck with that.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bluster
• gloat
• prance
• sashay
• saunter
• strut