swagger

Everyday

1. To swagger is to walk or behave in a very proud, showy way, as if you think you are better than others. tree →
2. (noun) Swagger is that proud, showy way of walking or behaving. tree →
3. (informal) Swagger can mean confident style that others admire. tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows Toad swaggers and boasts after his escapes; the word tells the reader he is vain and showing off. Pirates and bullies swagger in stories. «Swag» in modern slang comes from this word and means cool style.

Examples

• Toad swaggered down the road, singing about himself. tree →
• The new captain walked with a swagger. tree →
• Pirates swaggered through the town. tree →
• He swaggered into class as if he owned it. tree →
• She had the swagger of a champion. tree →
• The bully swaggered up to the little ones. tree →

Note

Regular verb: swaggered, swaggering (double g). Usually a criticism. Do not mix up with «stagger» (to walk unsteadily, nearly falling).