swagger

[swag-er]

verb (used without object)

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

2. to boast or brag noisily.

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

/ 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

noun

1. arrogant gait, conduct, or manner

adjective

1. informal,  elegantly fashionable

swagger

²

/ ˈswæɡə, ˈswæɡɪ /

noun

1. other names for swagman

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger¹

C16: probably from _swag

Synonym Study

See strut ¹.

Example Sentences

If only the swaggering Trojans weren’t also so sloppy.

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Yet only months later, UnitedHealth is boasting about regaining its “swagger” while discarding some seniors from their Medicare Advantage plans.

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He was able to appreciate playing to Alex’s swagger and charm and embracing the collaborative spirit of the set.

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It was Old Timothy, swaggering in the door like a captain on the deck of his own ship.

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Perhaps it was his pirate’s swagger, or that poetical shock of hair that fell in his eyes.

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Related Words

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