swanky

[swang-kee]

adjective

swankier, swankiest 

1. elegant or ostentatious; swank. swink.

   Synonyms: fashionable, smart, chic, stylish

swanky

/ ˈswæŋkɪ /

adjective

1. expensive and showy; stylish

   a swanky hotel

2. boastful or conceited

Other Word Forms

• swankily adverb
• swankiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of swanky¹

First recorded in 1835–45; swank ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Ultimately, one suspects Perkins views Liz’s dilemma as little more than an excuse to construct a fun exercise in nightmare inducement that possesses the same craftsmanship that Malcolm clearly put into his swanky cabin.

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His swanky West Hollywood atelier had colorful wallpaper and African masks on the walls, a huge potbelly stove and a full bar, where customers could indulge throughout a fitting.

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On January 28, 2007, he arrived at the swanky Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas dressed in gym shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers.

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The romance rumours between them began swirling in late July, when the two were spotted having dinner together at Le Violon, a swanky restaurant in the heart of Montreal.

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Mom watched, eyes wide with possibility, as if Herbert were showing her a swanky vacation timeshare in Maui.

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Related Words

• classy 
• deluxe 
• fancy 
• fashionable 
• luxurious 
• posh 
• ritzy 
• splashy 
• stylish 
• sumptuous 
• swank 
• trendy 

When To Use

What does swanky mean?

Swanky means fancy, stylish, or classy, especially in a showy or expensive way. It is often used informally.Swanky can refer to something that is ostentatious (over the top) or something that is very elegant. Either way, the unifying element is fanciness.Example: Anna doesn’t usually get a chance to eat at fancy restaurants, so she really enjoyed the gourmet food at the swanky office party.