Swank: meaning, definitions and examples

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swank

 

[ swรฆล‹k ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

style, showiness

Swank refers to a style or behavior that is characterized by ostentatious displays of wealth and luxury. It often conveys a sense of high fashion and sophistication, but it may also come off as pretentious or overly self-indulgent. The term can also imply a certain level of confidence or bravado associated with one's affluent lifestyle. Swank is frequently used in social contexts to critique or admire someone's extravagant choices in clothing and decor.

Synonyms

chic, elegant, ostentatious, posh, stylish.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a swank dress to the gala.
  • His swank apartment boasted stunning views of the city skyline.
  • They threw a swank party for their anniversary.
  • The restaurant is known for its swank atmosphere.
Context #2 | Verb

bragging, showing off

To swank means to boast or brag, particularly in a showy manner. It involves a display of confidence that borders on arrogance, often aimed at impressing others. When someone swanks, they are not just sharing their achievements; they are exaggerating them to highlight their superiority or status. This word is commonly used in casual and informal conversations about people's behavior in social settings.

Synonyms

boast, brag, flaunt, show off.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to swank about his wealth at gatherings.
  • She was swanking around, showing off her new car.
  • Stop swanking and just let your work speak for itself.

Translations

Translations of the word "swank" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น arrogรขncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคญเคฟเคฎเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Eitelkeit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sombong

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะธั…ะฐั‚ั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ arogancka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‚ฒๆ…ขใ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vanitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ soberbia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kibir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ๋งŒํ•จ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุฑูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ arogance

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ arogancia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‚ฒๆ…ข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ aroganca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dรณn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐา›ั‚ะฐะฝัˆะฐา›ั‚ั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™ฤŸrurluq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ soberbia

Etymology

The term 'swank' originated in the late 19th century, believed to be a blend of the words 'swank' and 'swankie,' both reflecting a sense of showiness or flamboyance. The earliest documented use of 'swank' as a noun dates back to around 1880, where it described someone who was ostentatiously well-dressed or extravagant. Its usage evolved and came to encompass both the descriptions of style and behavior that is flashy or over-the-top. Additionally, swank as a verb emerged around the early 20th century, associated with the act of flaunting oneโ€™s possessions or achievements. The word captures a cultural attitude towards wealth, fashion, and self-presentation that resonates in both historical and modern contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,509, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.