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. 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

However, a Times report found it has instead generated billions of dollars’ worth of tax breaks for the wealthy often in pursuit of luxury high-rises, high-end hotels and swank office space.

From Los Angeles Times

“My comfort zone is being outside of my comfort zone,” León said from his shopping-bag-strewn suite at a swank Beverly Hills hotel in California, his girlfriend and team at his side.

From New York Times

Programs for drying out in swank settings are typically ineffective and sometimes illegal.

From Los Angeles Times

But the play trades too heavily on the architectural eye candy of its turntable set, which moves from the swank living room to the state-of-the-art kitchen to the upstairs guest bedroom.

From Los Angeles Times

And near the swank Descanso Beach Club, dozens of deer converge on a wooden box filled with bowls of water and pet food at dusk.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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