swagger
UK: ˈswæɡə | US: ˈswæɡər
n. a confident and arrogant or aggressive gait or manner
vi. to walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant or aggressive way
vt. to strut or display ostentatiously
swagger = swag<to sway or swing> + er<agent suffix>
- swag (from Middle English swaggen, meaning "to sway or swing loosely")
- er (agent suffix, indicating a person or thing performing an action)
Etymology Origin:
The word swagger originated in the early 16th century, derived from the verb swag (to sway or swing), which likely imitated the motion of a loose, exaggerated walk. The suffix -er was added to form a noun describing someone who walks or behaves with a bold, swinging gait. Over time, swagger evolved to connote arrogance or ostentatious confidence, reflecting the exaggerated physicality of the original motion.
He walked into the room with a swagger that caught everyone’s attention.
The boxer’s swagger before the match intimidated his opponent.
She swaggered down the street, her confidence undeniable.
His swagger faded when he realized he was wrong.
The actor’s swagger on stage made his performance unforgettable.