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. introften foll byabout 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

Derived Forms

• ˈswaggering, adjective
• ˈswaggerer, noun
• ˈswaggeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• swagger·er noun
• outswagger verb (used with object)

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

It is a stalwart presence, a swaggering presence, a saving presence.

From Los Angeles Times

Peake’s staid and knowing portrayal stands in contrast and complement to that of Petticrew, whose resolute manner vacillates between a flinty swagger and true anguish.

From Salon

Scherzinger’s reincarnated Norma Desmond, strutting around the stage with the swagger of an Instagram influencer, must be ready at a moment’s notice for her selfie.

From Los Angeles Times

The FT's review celebrated veteran director, Ridley Scott, for his "stubborn charm", "belligerent swagger" and "ideas that are more pulpy and loopy".

From BBC

That is the kind of fervor — James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” played at the Republican National Convention in July — that has surrounded Trump since he swaggered onto the nation’s political stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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