We explain what swag is, the main theories of its origin, its different meanings and some examples of this term.
What is it 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 the year 2012 thanks to the Internet and social networks, as a replacement for other expressions for what was positively evaluated, such as cool or groovy.
Its origins are not clear at all, beyond that was popularized by American singers like Puff Daddy and Kanye West, who linked it to a certain way of walking associated with the lower strata of the American black 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 enormously:
- It comes from Scottish slang.
- It comes from a play by Shakespeare, who in turn borrowed it from the Scandinavians.
- It is the acronym for a gay slogan from the 60s: “Secretly We Are Gay”(“ We are secretly homosexuals ”).
- It is the acronym for “Stuff We All Get”(“ Things that we all receive ”), a way of referring to free delivery material at fairs or events of some kind.
- It is the acronym for “Scientific Wild Ass Guess” (something like “Tremendously Forced Scientific Guess”).
Whatever the truth, the term is associated with attitude gangstto of singers and rappers mentioned, and is always used with the verb “to have” (“to have”), both in English and Spanish. Depending on the cultural circuit to which you belong, it can be a fashionable term or even already be rather demodé.
In other ways, it can be associated with the culture of hip-hop, 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 calling”swags”To those who subscribe to this type of fashion or trend.
Examples of use of swag
- That guy have you some serious swag!
- That boy does have swag!
- You’re just jealous cuz I’ve got the swag.
- You’re only 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.