“SWAG” and its Many Fascinating Meanings

Phrases are fascinating creatures. Some have clear reduce roles to play, whereas others can carry multiple meaning.

Phrases additionally evolve over time, and monitoring this evolution might be so engrossing that there’s a complete area of examine devoted to the topic referred to as etymology.

This isn’t to point out how some phrases don’t essentially descend from Latin or different historic roots.

They might be portmanteaus or acronyms which have made their means into on a regular basis speech and have grow to be staples of the language.

Over and above, not solely can phrases inform us rather a lot concerning the cultures that birthed them, however they will additionally transfer from one tradition to one other, altering how new generations talk with each other.

As we speak’s phrase embodies every thing enthralling about phrases, and it does so in a single little, four-letter sized package deal.

It has many meanings, a few of which might be traced again to earlier occasions and others which might be given to it by way of acronyms. And, it has enriched each popular culture and social media.

As we speak’s phrase is “swag.”

What’s the meaning of “swag”?

If we’re speaking about “swag” as a phrase, not an acronym, then it will possibly tackle many meanings, from a noun that refers to a suspended wreath to a verb meaning to sway.

“Swag” additionally means free merchandise, loot, and trendy confidence. And, for Australians, “swag” can refer to a bundle of private gadgets that belong to a traveler or a miner.

However, when used as an acronym, “SWAG” can both stand for “Scientific Wild Ass Guess” or “Power Weaknesses Actions Progress.”

And, seeing as how versatile this expression is, it ought to come as no shock to be taught that there are a number of expressions and phrases which have appeared, together with “he obtained swag.”

Furthermore, “swag” has had a discernible impact on hip hop tradition and has made its means into social media, giving individuals on Twitter one thing to speak about.

With all this laid out, let’s delve into every facet individually.

”Swag” the precise phrase

We’ll start by discussing “swag” the phrase, not the acronym, and exploring all of its completely different meanings.

”Swag” the suspended wreath

The primary meaning we are going to look into is probably going the one you understand the least about.

“Swag” can be utilized to refer wreaths which might be suspended from each ends and are left hanging down within the center.

The truth is, “swag” doesn’t essentially have to refer to a wreath. It may very well be a garland, a material, or a cluster of foliage or flowers. What issues is how this stuff are hung.

Instance

The swags seemed lovely.

If you’d like to, you’ll be able to drape a bit of cloth over two picket poles to create an impromptu swag.

Clearly, “swag” on this context is a decorative object, one which adorns partitions, home windows, or any area.

One other name for this definition of “swag” is “festoon.”

And, in the event you have been to Google “festoon” proper now, you will see photos of hanging lights and drooping wreaths.

The images gives you a greater thought of what we mean by an decoration that’s hung from each ends however is left to sag within the center.

Don’t neglect to dangle all of the festoons for the party tomorrow.

What’s extra, “swag” doesn’t solely have to refer to a drooping decoration however will also be used to refer to work or carved representations of those drooping ornaments, whether or not these ornaments are produced from material, flowers, fruits, or another foliage.

Their front room was lovely. It had these majestic doorways with superbly carved swags above them.

Now, you’ve gotten in all probability observed that “swag” is used as a noun on this context. Nonetheless, it didn’t take lengthy for this definition of “swag” to immediate the creation of a verb.

The verb “swag” can mean to adorn or dangle with swags.

We want to swag these wreaths earlier than the ceremony tomorrow.

Apparently, there may be one other means you should use “swag” as a verb. “Swag” can mean that one thing is hanging loosely and even sinking down, which you’ll be able to form of see how it relates to the unique meaning, proper?

The clothesline was swagging.

”Swag” the swale

We simply noticed how “swag” can be utilized to refer to a drooping piece of decoration, and that ought to have left you with a reasonably sturdy psychological picture, one thing resembling a valley.

The truth is, it’s this very psychological picture which may in all probability be ascribed to giving the next definition.

One other meaning for “swag” is a swale, which is a despair within the land that tends to be moister and to have completely different vegetation than the encompassing, larger land. It’s form of like a valley.

And, in the event you’ve by no means heard this expression earlier than, you’re not alone.

You see, “swag” as a swale is extra common within the Midland English dialect, the place it’s used to refer to small valleys full of water which might be born on account of mining operations.

Yeah, I do know the place John is. He’s by that swag over there.

”Swag” as in to sway or to lurch

You drained but? Nicely, brace your self as a result of we nonetheless have a great distance to go.

Now, “swag” can even mean that one thing is transferring in a heavy or unsteady method both from aspect to aspect or up and down. Merely put, it additionally means to sway.

On this occasion, “swag” acts as a verb, and it may be used each with and with out an object.

The lantern stored swagging throughout the earthquake.

Right here, “swag” doesn’t have a direct object. As a substitute, it’s a verb that describes what the lantern was doing.

Please don’t swag the chandelier. The entire thing is fragile, and if it falls, it can break and price each of us a fortune.

Alternatively, on this latter instance, “swag” has a direct object, which is the phrase “chandelier.”

“Swag” can equally apply to individuals.

Because the carriage crossed the rocky street, the sheriff inside stored swagging proper and left.

Furthermore, “swag” will also be used as a noun that additionally means a form of swaying or lurching movement.

After the earthquake, the chandelier displayed a threatening swag.

Now, despite the fact that we aren’t a hundred percent certain of the origin of this specific definition of “swag,” there are some compelling theories.

As an illustration, some individuals hint this “swag” to the 1520s or 1530s and imagine that its roots is likely to be Scandinavian.

To be extra particular, they imagine that “swag” is said to the Norwegian “svaga” and “svagga,” each of which mean to sway or to rock.

”Swag” for Australians and Kiwis

Apparently, individuals who reside in Australia and New Zealand have a novel definition for the phrase “swag.”

In accordance to them, “swag” is a small bundle that comprises a traveler’s belongings, together with their garments, their meals, and their cooking utensils. It’s used informally.

Did you see the hitchhiker on the street, the one carrying their swag and making an attempt to get a trip to Melbourne?

And, like most unusual expressions, “swag” was quickly working as each a noun and a verb.

When used as a verb, “swag” means to journey round carrying your belongings in a bundle. Clearly, this kind of verb doesn’t take an object after it.

When she determined to take a yr off, she thought it is likely to be a good suggestion to swag round Australia.
Now, if any Australians are studying this, you may need an issue with this final instance. And, you’d be proper.

You see, though phrases can have specific meanings, these meanings can change relying on utilization and cultural customs.

As an illustration, the phrase “rock” may need been used extra continuously amongst geologists a few centuries in the past, however, immediately, telling somebody they “rock” is tantamount to telling them that they’re superior.

How these two definitions relate to each other is likely to be baffling at first, however when you think about the looks and evolution of music, significantly rock music, it turns into simpler to see how one factor may have led to one other.

Equally, the definition of the phrase “swag” has advanced with the occasions. Extra particularly, “to go on the swag” is an off-the-cuff means of claiming somebody has grow to be a tramp.

Should you don’t know what a tramp is, it’s a person who retains touring on foot, all of the whereas trying to find work.

That mentioned, some tramps make a residing by way of begging, which could clarify why the phrase “tramp” has had such a detrimental connotation.

The truth is, at one time, it was a robust insult, and it was used to speak about homeless, poor individuals. This was extra across the time of the Nice Melancholy.

So, when the instance mentioned, “she determined to swag round Australia,” this may need been interpreted as turning into a tramp or worse.

Nonetheless, in accordance to the unique meaning, the instance solely meant to say that she determined to journey round Australia with a small bundle carrying her belongings.

It mentioned nothing of how she determined to make a residing or whether or not she was poor or not.

Nonetheless, the next instance clearly states that its topic has determined to grow to be a tramp.

Issues have been actually unhealthy. He misplaced his job and struggled to discover the rest. He ended up having to go on the swag simply to give you the option to eat.

And, a “swagman” is an Australian who migrate from place to place in search of work, also called a drifter.

The city was overrun by swagmen when the mayor introduced the brand new undertaking.

And, in the event you weren’t confused sufficient already, you is likely to be to be taught that each Australians and Kiwis use “swags of” as an off-the-cuff means of claiming “a great deal of” or “plenty of.”

Jason’s obtained swags of enterprise playing cards in his glove compartment.

However, when you consider it, it type of is smart. “Swags of” is simply one other means of claiming that there’s a lot of one thing that it may fill a number of swags.

The opposite ”Swag”

Now, we come to the definitions that you just have been anticipating and those you form of knew about.

For starters, “swag” is slang for issues that folks obtained illegally or by stealing.

One of many earlier makes use of of this phrase might be traced again to 1898 when Willamette Farmer mentioned “Silverware in these days was the choicest swag recognized to burglars.”

So, briefly, “swag” meant loot.

And, in the event you felt that the instance we simply gave was outdated, then you can be stunned to be taught that the phrase “swag” was used within the underworld way back to the 1600s.

As an illustration, you had swag-shops that offered items, and you had the time period “rum swag” which meant one thing was filled with wealthy items.

As we’ve already seen time and once more, phrases evolve over time, and this kind of “swag” is not any exception.

Ranging from the Nineteen Sixties, “swag” began to mean the free promotional gadgets that you just obtained while you attended occasions.

These freebies additionally included the free slippers you get while you trip an airplane and the free information aspiring musicians despatched to radio stations.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t till the Nineteen Nineties that this time period took off in reputation. As we speak, “swag” covers free pens, shirts, mugs, calendars, and all the opposite standard suspects that may carry the brand of an organization.

Dude, have a look at all this swag I obtained from the convention. I don’t assume I’ll want to purchase one other pen or pocket book once more for the following 5 years.

On a aspect be aware, this kind of “swag” can also be written as “schwag.”

One other neat casual definition of “swag,” one that’s utilized in the USA, is low-grade hashish.

I’m advantageous smoking swag, however I’d a lot moderately get my palms on one thing stronger.

”Swag” as in fashion and confidence

That is the definition you might be in all probability most conversant in. We at the moment are speaking about “swag” that refers to somebody being trendy and assured.

It’s clearly a slang phrase, one that you just’ll discover in a whole lot of immediately’s popular culture and social media interactions.

Woah, he’s obtained a great deal of swag. No surprise he’s so common.

The above sentence is mainly saying that the topic of the sentence is so trendy and assured that it ought to come as no shock that he’s so common.

This definition of “swag” has been derived from the phrase “swagger.”

“To swagger” is to stroll or strut in a way that shows a lot confidence that it borders on vanity and self-importance.

What’s fascinating to be aware is that regardless of this kind of “swag” seeming comparatively new, not less than compared to all the opposite definitions explored thus far, it’s really one of many oldest.

Extra exactly, we now have information of it getting used within the 1640s when speaking about “hansom swag fellowes.”

“Swag” additionally owes its reputation to hip-hop. You may have a number of well-known rappers who’ve used the phrase “swag” of their songs.

As an illustration, Jay Z says in considered one of his songs, “Try my swag, yo. I stroll like a ballplayer.”

As a matter of reality, there are a number of songs which have the phrase “swag” of their titles, and this isn’t to point out that there’s an precise dance on the market referred to as the “swag” dance.

Listed here are a number of songs with swag within the title.

“Flip My Swag On” by Soulja Boy.
“Swag Flu” by Soulja Boy.
“Purple Swag” by ASAP Rocky.
“Swag” by YG.
“Examine My Swag” by Chingy.

As we simply mentioned, “swag” can also be used rather a lot on social media, particularly on Twitter the place individuals use a hashtag together with it. “Swag” is often used to brag.

Examples:

Hop upp off the bed, flip my swag onnnnn.

Bought a lot swag that it’s pumping out my ovaries.

As you’ll be able to inform, the utilization of “swag” online can get fairly obnoxious.

To make issues worse, there was a interval when individuals have been utilizing it so liberally that it began irking many.

”Swag” the acronym

Phew. That was rather a lot to undergo. Should you’re nonetheless with me, we’re virtually executed.

”Swag” to mean “Stuff We All Get”

You bear in mind how we mentioned that “swag” was used to refer to the freebies you bought at conferences, seminars, and different occasions?

Nicely, despite the fact that that definition took place from the unique definition of loot or booty, individuals discovered that there is likely to be one other means of decoding issues.

They figured that “swag” is likely to be an acronym for “Stuff We All Get,” and the acronym caught.

I usually attend expos for all of the swag they offer out.

”Swag” to mean “Scientific Wild *** Guess”

That is an expression that’s prevalent within the enterprise world. A “swag,” which stands for “scientific wild ass guess,” is an estimate or guess made by an professional.

Nonetheless, moderately than being primarily based on the out there information and information, this guess is predicated on the professional’s instinct and earlier expertise.

The closest time period to it’s when one guesstimates, which is a mix of a guess and an estimate.

We introduced you in as a result of we’d like your best swag.

So, why would anybody on the planet of enterprise want a scientific wild ass guess?

Nicely, really, the time period in all probability first appeared within the American army, both within the Military or within the Air Power.

The truth is, in accordance to a journalist named Melvin J. Lasky, there was a US Military Common named William Westmoreland who used “swag” loads of occasions throughout the Vietnam Conflict.

Nonetheless, the time period remains to be used immediately when a enterprise doesn’t have entry to all of the information.

Clearly, it’s all the time higher to make a choice primarily based on the information and the out there data, but, typically, that’s not an choice.

Often, individuals have to act shortly or they don’t have any means of getting the related data.

And, being quick on time means they’ve to act in accordance to a swag as a substitute of finishing up a rigorous evaluation.

Moreover, a swag is healthier than a wag, which stands for a wild ass guess.

Should you’re gonna make a guess, then not less than it’s best to make it an informed one and strive to base your guess on previous expertise or any form of related experience.

If a swag is harmful, then a wag can spell disaster.

”Swag” to mean “Power, Weaknesses, Actions, and Progress”

The final use of SWAG we are going to have a look at immediately is as an analytical device that’s fairly comparable to SWOT.

Should you don’t know what SWOT is, it’s merely a device that helps you analyze your enterprise’s strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, and threats.

Accordingly, this evaluation ought to provide you with a greater thought of the place your corporation has room for enchancment and which new initiatives it ought to pursue.

Equally, the SWAG device is used to assess the wants of your corporation. It may well come in useful while you’re making an attempt to develop your corporation and to assist it transfer ahead.

The concept is that whereas analyzing strengths offers you a notion of what you’ll be able to construct on, analyzing weaknesses offers you an thought of what are the areas the place your corporation can enhance.

Then, defining the mandatory actions to transfer issues ahead is the following step, and, lastly, it’s best to work out the place your corporation lies on the Enterprise Progress Life Cycle with the intention to determine which approaches it’s best to take to transfer onto the following part of the cycle.

Your organization is now not a small startup. It is best to carry out a SWAG evaluation to work out how you’ll be able to take it into the Progress part.