Swagger
Verb
Definition: To walk or behave in a very confident and arrogant or self-important way.
Synonyms: Strut, Prance, Flaunt
Antonyms: Humble, Meek, Shy away
- The manager swaggered into the meeting room, exuding confidence.
- He swaggered down the street, attracting everyone's attention.
- Imagine someone walking with exaggerated confidence, swinging their arms and strutting their stuff like they own the place.
- Think of a peacock flaunting its feathers proudly, metaphorically representing swagger.
Etymology:
The word "swagger" originated from the Old English word "swogan," which meant to sway or rock. It evolved over time to refer to a bold and confident way of walking. The term further gained popularity in the 16th century as a noun, describing an arrogant or boastful person.
Historical Usage:The word "swagger" has been used to describe confident and arrogant behavior in literature and colloquial language for centuries.
Related Idioms:
"Talk the talk and walk the walk"
Explanation:This phrase is used to express the expectation of someone not only speaking confidently but also acting accordingly with their words. It aligns with the idea of swagger, where the person demonstrates confidence not only in their speech but also in their actions.
Misconceptions:
Assuming swagger is always negative or arrogant behavior.
Explanation:While swagger can often be associated with arrogance, it can also refer to confident and self-assured behavior that is not necessarily negative or boastful. It depends on the context and degree of confidence displayed.