swank

¹

[ swangk ]

noun

1. dashing smartness, as in dress or appearance; style.
2. a swagger.

adjective

, swank·er, swank·est.

1. stylish or elegant.
2. pretentiously stylish.

verb (used without object)

1. to swagger in behavior; show off.

swank

²

[ swangk ]

verb

1. a simple past tense of swink.

swank

/ swæŋk /

verb

1. intr to show off or swagger

noun

1. Also calledswankpot a swaggering or conceited person
2. elegance or style, esp of a showy kind
3. swagger; ostentation

adjective

1. See swanky
   another word (esp US) for swanky

Word History and Origins

Origin of swank¹

1800–10; compare Scots swank lively, perhaps ultimately representing back formation from Old English swancor lithe; akin to Middle Dutch swanc supple, Middle High German swanken to sway

Word History and Origins

Origin of swank¹

C19: perhaps from Middle High German swanken to sway; see swag

Example Sentences

The 140-square-mile island, with only one school and no stoplights, is sustained by tourism to his swank properties.

From Fortune

His dream house mostly consists of some pretty swank rooms for playing video games and watching movies, but there is also a chef’s kitchen and pool tucked somewhere into the design.

From Outside Online

Related Words

• chic
• genteel
• mod
• posh
• stylish
• swanky
• trendy
• upscale