swank
C1informal
Definition
Meaning
To display one's wealth, knowledge, or achievements in a way that is intended to impress others; to show off.
Something that is stylishly luxurious or ostentatious; the act or style of such display.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a mildly negative or critical connotation, suggesting unnecessary or boastful extravagance. It is often used humorously or ironically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used as a verb in UK English ('to swank about'). In US English, it is more frequently used as an adjective ('a swank hotel'). The noun form is rare in both but understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies a degree of pretentiousness. In UK English, the verb can have a more active, behavioural focus.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects, but slightly more established in the adjective form in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to swank about/around (something)to swank that...swank (adjective) + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “swank it up”
- “full of swank”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used critically: 'The CEO's swank new corner office did not impress the struggling staff.'
Academic
Extremely rare, except in stylistic analysis of texts.
Everyday
Used to describe people showing off or overly luxurious places/things, often with a humorous or mocking tone.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's always swanking about his new promotion at the pub.
- Stop swanking around with that expensive watch.
American English
- She swanked into the party, showing off her designer dress.
- He loved to swank that he had met the president.
adverb
British English
- The room was swankily decorated with modern art.
American English
- They live swankily in a gated community.
adjective
British English
- They took us to a rather swank restaurant in Mayfair.
- It's a bit too swank for my taste.
American English
- They held the event at a swank downtown hotel.
- He drives a swank new sports car.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His car is very swank.
- She has a swank bag.
- The hotel lobby looked very swank and expensive.
- He was swanking about his holiday in the Maldives.
- I'm tired of him swanking around the office as if he owns the place.
- They opened a swank new cocktail bar that's always fully booked.
- Despite its swank exterior, the company's internal culture was deeply toxic.
- Her presentation was less informative and more an opportunity to swank her technical expertise.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SWAN gliding on a BANK – it looks elegant and proud, perhaps showing off a bit.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS SHOWY DISPLAY / SOCIAL SUPERIORITY IS VISIBLE ELEVATION
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'сванк' (nonsense). The closest conceptual equivalent is 'шиковать' or 'пускать пыль в глаза', but 'swank' is less severe than 'хвастаться' (to boast).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing. Confusing it with 'swing' or 'swan'. Overusing the verb form in US English.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'swank' CORRECTLY as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally mildly negative or critical, implying unnecessary showiness. However, it can be used humorously or ironically without strong criticism.
Yes, but it is rare. It refers to the style or act of showing off, e.g., 'There was a lot of swank in the way he presented the project.'
'Swank' is more specific and often implies a stylish or luxurious context. It is also slightly more old-fashioned and informal than the phrasal verb 'show off'.
No, it is a low-frequency, informal word. You will encounter it more in reading (especially older texts or specific genres) than in everyday conversation.