swank Hear it!

swank¹ Definition

swank (swaŋk)

noun

  1. stylish display or ostentation in dress, etc.
  2. swaggering, ostentatious behavior, speech, etc.

Etymology: orig. slang < dial. vi., akin to OE swancor, pliant, supple, with notion of swinging the body: for IE base see swing

adjective

Informal ostentatiously stylish

intransitive verb

Slang to act in a showy manner; swagger

swank² Definition

swank (swaŋk)

intransitive verb

swink

swank* Synonyms

swank*

n.

spectacle, array, swagger; see display 2.

swank* Synonyms

swank*

modif.

ostentatious, stylish, extravagant, exclusive.

swank Usage Examples

Converse of object

look: He does look a swank does Frank without his hat on He does look a swank does Frank.

Modifies a noun

restaurant: In Turin he was part-owner of a swank downtown restaurant; he lost money on it.

Modifying Another Word

about: It was disappointing to see black faces still doing all the low jobs and doing none of the swanking about.