swagger

/ˈswægər/

/ˈswægə/

Other forms: swaggering; swaggered; swaggers; swaggeringly

Picture the confident, maybe even arrogant way a pirate, a cowboy, or even a rapper might stroll around. That style of walking is called a swagger.

Swagger can also be used as a verb. After you ace a test you might swagger down the hall feeling pretty full of yourself. In verb form it can also refer to more aggressive behavior like bullying or intimidating others. Hopefully you wouldn’t swagger down the hall doing that though!

Definitions of swagger

1. verb

   walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
   synonyms: cock, prance, ruffle, sashay, strut, tittup

   type of:

   walk

   use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
2. verb

   act in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner
   synonyms: bluster, swash

   type of:

   act, behave, do

   behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
3. verb

   discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
   synonyms: browbeat, bully

   type of:

   blarney, cajole, coax, inveigle, palaver, sweet-talk, wheedle

   influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
4. noun

   a proud stiff pompous gait
   synonyms: prance, strut

   type of:

   gait

   a person's manner of walking
5. noun

   an itinerant Australian laborer who carries his personal belongings in a bundle as he travels around in search of work
   synonyms: swaggie, swagman

   type of:

   gipsy, gypsy, itinerant

   a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment
6. adjective

   (British informal) very chic
   synonyms: groovy

   fashionable, stylish

   being or in accordance with current social fashions