bragging rights

[ brag-ing rahyts ]

plural noun

1. the presumed right to brag or boast, often associated with winning a contest of skill, as cooking or fishing.

bragging rights

plural noun

1. notional privileges that are gained by defeating a close rival

Word History and Origins

Origin of bragging rights¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

You want bragging rights, you want your biases confirmed, you want a totally unscientific, more than a little opinionated ranking of Los Angeles neighborhoods by walkability.

From Los Angeles Times

"Attending a concert is a mix of bragging rights, being a conformist and being part of the scene," he says.

From BBC

Although Jodie Foster has bragging rights to just about every entertainment accolade there is — including leaving her mark alongside film legends who've come before her at her hand and footprint ceremony in April — there's been one key award she'd yet to claim, until now.

From Salon

The path to a Western Conference championship runs through L.A., making Saturday’s El Tráfico rivalry game much more than just a battle for bragging rights.

From Los Angeles Times

For much of its history, the Southern California derby has determined little more than local bragging rights.

From Los Angeles Times