swagger
swagger
UK[ˈswæɡə(r)]US[ˈswæɡər]
v
to walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way.
n
a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive manner or style.
Etymology
the word 'swagger' first appeared in english in the early 16th century, likely entering the language from a scandinavian source. its core concept is one of swinging or swaying in a loose, blustering, or insolent manner, which directly evolved into its modern sense of an arrogant, confident gait or demeanor. the phonetic resemblance to 'sway' and 'swag' reinforced its association with a rolling, boastful motion. over time, it solidified as the quintessential term for a defiant, ostentatious display of confidence, often perceived as arrogance.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is likely of scandinavian origin, related to norwegian dialect 'svagra' meaning 'to sway, swing'.
Examples
he swaggered into the room as if he owned the place.
the boxer had a confident swagger about him before the fight.
she dismissed the critics with a swagger of her hand.