Swaggering: meaning, definitions and examples

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swaggering

 

[ ˈswaɡərɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

showing off

To walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way, often to impress or intimidate others.

Synonyms

sashay, saunter, strut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swaggering

Swaggering is used when someone is walking in a very confident and sometimes arrogant manner, often to show off. This word usually has a negative connotation.

  • He came swaggering into the room, acting like he owned the place.
  • With a swaggering attitude, he approached the car as if he were the coolest guy in town.
strut

Strutting indicates walking with a confident, often ostentatious manner. It can have a slightly negative implication when someone is showing off.

  • The peacock strutted around, displaying its beautiful feathers.
  • He strutted into the office after securing the big deal, feeling on top of the world.
saunter

Sauntering is a relaxed and leisurely walk with no sense of urgency. It describes an easy, unhurried stroll.

  • They sauntered through the park, chatting about their day.
  • After a long week, he decided to saunter down to the cafe for a cup of coffee.
sashay

Sashay describes a walk where someone moves in a casual and yet graceful manner, often with a bit of a swing in their step. This word can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • She sashayed across the dance floor, capturing everyone's attention.
  • He sashayed down the street, enjoying the sunny day.

Examples of usage

  • He swaggered into the room, acting as though he owned the place.
  • The bully swaggered down the hallway, looking for his next victim.
Context #2 | Noun

attitude

An arrogant or pompous manner of walking or behaving.

Synonyms

arrogance, boldness, confidence.

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Word Description / Examples
swaggering

Used when describing someone who is walking or behaving in a very confident and arrogant way, often trying to show off.

  • He swaggered into the room, making sure everyone noticed his new suit
confidence

Describes a feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's abilities or qualities. It is neutral or positive.

  • She spoke with confidence about her plans for the project
boldness

Refers to the willingness to take risks and face difficult situations with courage. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • His boldness in tackling the issue impressed the committee
arrogance

Describes an attitude of superiority and disrespect for others. It has a negative connotation.

  • Her arrogance made her many enemies in the office

Examples of usage

  • His swagger was off-putting to those around him.
  • She carries herself with a confident swagger that commands attention.

Translations

Translations of the word "swaggering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ostentação

🇮🇳 दिखावा

🇩🇪 prahlerisch

🇮🇩 sombong

🇺🇦 пихатий

🇵🇱 chełpliwość

🇯🇵 誇示

🇫🇷 vantardise

🇪🇸 presuntuoso

🇹🇷 böbürlenme

🇰🇷 뽐내는

🇸🇦 تباهٍ

🇨🇿 chvástání

🇸🇰 chvastúnstvo

🇨🇳 炫耀

🇸🇮 bahavost

🇮🇸 mont

🇰🇿 мақтаншақтық

🇬🇪 ტრაბახი

🇦🇿 lovğalıq

🇲🇽 presumido

Etymology

The word 'swaggering' originates from the Middle English word 'swaggen', which means to sway or reel. Over time, the word evolved to represent a confident and often boastful way of walking or behaving.

See also: swaggerer, swaggeringly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,364, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.