“Swank” is an informal word that means stylish, fancy, or expensive-looking. If something is swank, it feels upscale and impressive, like a five-star hotel lobby or a brand-new sports car.
People use “swank” in everyday speech when they want to praise or tease something that looks too fancy or luxurious. You might say, “That new rooftop bar is pretty swank,” or joke, “Nice suit—feeling swank today?” It’s light, friendly, and often carries a playful tone rather than sounding serious.
Meaning & Usage Examples
Examples:
- “We stayed at a swank hotel downtown—champagne on arrival.”
- “She showed up in a swank dress that turned heads.”
- “The office got a swank makeover with glass walls and neon lights.”
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “swank” in casual chats, social media captions, and reviews of places or products. It’s short, catchy, and fits well when describing anything that feels extra-luxurious without sounding stiff or formal.
Is “swank” positive or negative?
Usually positive, but it can be playful or slightly teasing, depending on tone.
Can I use “swank” for people?
Yes. You can say “He’s looking swank tonight” to compliment someone’s sharp outfit.
Is “swank” old-fashioned?
No, it’s still common in modern slang, especially in the U.S. and U.K.
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