We explain what swag is, the main theories of its origin, its different meanings and some examples of this term.
What is swag?
The term swag comes from English, and more specifically from American slang linked to rap, hip-hop and African-American music. This term became popular around 2012 thanks to the Internet and social networks, as a replacement for other expressions for what is positively evaluated, such as cool either groovy.
Its origins are not at all clear, beyond the fact that It was popularized by American singers such as Puff Daddy and Kanye West who linked it to a certain way of walking associated with the lower strata of black American neighborhoods, typical of an arrogant attitude towards life. Another American celebrity who contributed to the popularization of the term was Justin Bieber through his Twitter account with more than 100 million followers.
The versions regarding the origin of swag vary greatly:
- It comes from Scottish slang.
- It comes from a play by Shakespeare, who in turn took it from the Scandinavians.
- It is the acronym of a gay slogan from the 60s: “Secretly We Are Gay” (“We are secretly gay”).
- It is the acronym for “Stuff We All Get” (“Things we all receive”), a way of referring to free material distributed at fairs or events of some kind.
- It is the acronym for “Scientific Wild Ass Guess.”
Whatever the truth, the term is associated with attitude gangstato of singers and rappers mentioned, and is always used with the verb “to have,” both in English and Spanish. Depending on the cultural circuit to which one belongs, it may be a fashionable term or even be more of a demodé.
In other senses, it can be associated with hip-hop culture, whose characteristic clothing includes hooded sweaters (“hoodies“), sports jackets and sneakers or boots from brands such as Nike, Adidas or Converse, among others, to the point of being called “swags” to those who subscribe to this type of fashion or trend.
Examples of use of swag
- That guy you have some serious swag!
- That boy does have swag!
- You're just jealous cuz I've got the swag.
- You're just jealous because I have swag.
- I've got like 30 times more swag than you do.
- I have like 30 times more swag than you
See also: Stalking
