Swagger

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈswæɡ.É™/
• US IPA: /ˈswæɡ.Éš/
• Rhymes: -æɡə(r)

Origin

A frequentative form of swag ("to sway"), first attested in 1590, in :

Online Etymology Dictionary

• PUCK: What hempen homespuns have we swaggering here?

Full definition of swagger

Verb

1. To walk with a swaying motion; hence, to walk and act in a pompous, consequential manner.
• Beaconsfielda man who swaggers about London clubs
2. To boast or brag noisily; to be ostentatiously proud or vainglorious; to bluster; to bully.
• CollierTo be great is not ... to swagger at our footmen.

Derived terms

• swaggerer
• swaggeringly

Noun

1. confidence, pride
• 2012, April 9, Mandeep Sanghera, Tottenham 1 - 2 Norwich, After spending so much of the season looking upwards, the swashbuckling style and swagger of early season Spurs was replaced by uncertainty and frustration against a Norwich side who had the quality and verve to take advantage
2. A bold, or arrogant strut.
3. A prideful boasting or bragging.

Anagrams

• waggers