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Meaning & use

swag

noun·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/swæɡ/
US/swæɡ/

Meanings

  1. noununcountableinformal

    Free items such as bags, shirts and pens given out by companies at events for promotion.

    Grammar: Uncountable: a lot of swag, not swags.

    Patterns

    • free swag
    • swag bag

    Every attendee at the conference received a bag of free swag.

    The startup gave away stickers and other swag at its booth.

    I picked up some swag, including a water bottle and a cap.

  2. noununcountableold-fashionedinformal

    Goods taken in a robbery or theft.

    Grammar: Often used in crime stories: the burglars hid their swag.

    Patterns

    • a bag of swag

    The thieves split the swag in an empty warehouse.

    Police found the swag hidden in a shed.

  3. noununcountableslang

    A confident, stylish way of behaving or looking.

    Grammar: Slang: she has swag.

    Patterns

    • have swag

    He walked onto the stage with real swag.

    Her jacket gave her outfit extra swag.

  4. nouncountablespecialist

    A piece of cloth or flowers hung in a curved, draped shape as decoration.

    Grammar: Countable: a swag of fabric over the window.

    Patterns

    • a swag of something

    A swag of pine branches hung above the fireplace.

    The curtains were tied in a graceful swag.

Word forms

pluralswags

Common combinations

free swag
People lined up for free swag at the product launch.
swag bag
The swag bag contained a notebook and a mug.
company swag
The office closet was full of company swag.
stolen swag
The gang counted the stolen swag.
have swag
He has swag whatever he wears.

Synonyms and how they differ

freebies
Freebies are free gifts in general, while swag usually means branded items from companies.
loot
Loot is a general word for stolen goods, but it also covers war plunder, whereas swag sounds more casual.
style
Style is neutral and standard, while swag adds a cool, confident attitude.
plunder
Plunder is a stronger word, implying violent seizing of goods.

Word family

swagger noun
a confident, showy way of walking or acting
swagger verb
to walk with a bold, proud manner
swagman noun
in Australia, a traveler carrying a bundle of belongings
swagged adjective
draped in curves, as of fabric

Commonly confused: swag or swagger?

swag vs swagger

Swagger is a proud, bold way of walking, while swag in the slang sense is overall style.

Practice

A company hands out branded pens and tote bags at a trade fair. What are these items called?

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