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Swag

Swag is a multifaceted English term originating from a Scandinavian root meaning "to sway" or "swing," dating back to the early 16th century, and has evolved to encompass several distinct meanings, including a bundle of personal belongings, stolen goods or loot, decorative garlands or drapery that hang in a curve, free promotional merchandise often distributed at events, and, in contemporary slang, a sense of bold self-confidence, style, or flair in one's appearance and attitude.^[1]^[2]^[3] The word's earliest recorded uses in English refer to physical motion or objects, such as the verb form describing a heavy, unsteady sway—as in a ship's movement—or the noun denoting a traveler's pack, particularly in Australian English where a "swagman" was an itinerant worker carrying belongings in a swag.^[4]^[5] By the 18th century, swag had acquired a connotation of illicit gain, referring to booty or plunder obtained unlawfully, a sense popularized in criminal slang and nautical contexts.^[2]^[6] In decorative arts, it describes ornamental motifs like festooned fabric or floral arrangements that sag gracefully, a usage seen in architecture and interior design since the late 18th century.^[2] In the 20th century, swag came to refer to free promotional merchandise, such as branded giveaways at conferences, trade shows, or corporate events to promote products and build brand loyalty; this business application surged in popularity as a tangible alternative to online advertising.^[7]^[8] Most notably in contemporary culture, swag as slang emerged in the early 2000s within hip-hop music, shortened from "swagger"—itself a 16th-century term for strutting arrogantly—and popularized by artists like Jay-Z to signify effortless coolness, charisma, and personal panache, influencing fashion, social media, and youth vernacular worldwide.^[9]^[10]^[2]

Etymology and primary meanings

Origins of the word

The word "swag" originates from a Scandinavian source, akin to Old Norse sveggja, meaning "to swing" or "to sway," with possible influences from Norwegian svaga, denoting a similar motion.^[1]^[4] This verb form entered English in the early 16th century, around the 1520s, primarily describing a heavy or unsteady movement, such as lurching or swaying, and was often used in provincial or archaic contexts.^[1] By the late 15th century, related usages appeared for swinging or shaking objects freely, reflecting the term's roots in depicting pendulous or loose motion.^[1] As a noun, "swag" evolved from the verb by the mid-17th century, around the 1650s, to denote a lurching or swaying action itself.^[1] This form extended to describe hanging or sagging objects by the 18th century, including festoons or garlands in ornamental contexts from 1794 onward.^[1]^[4] An earlier noun sense, dating to the 14th century (with a recorded use in 1303), referred to a bag or valise, likely drawing from Scandinavian terms for a bulging or round container, which influenced later associations with bundles.^[4] In regional variations, particularly in 19th-century Australia, "swag" adopted a specific meaning for a portable bedroll or bundle of belongings carried by itinerant workers, deriving from the earlier English sense of a sagging thief's plunder or personal pack.^[11] This usage, emerging around the 1830s, transferred the idea of a loosely hung bundle to the practical necessities of bush travelers, marking a distinct colonial adaptation without altering the core etymological link to swaying motion.^[11]

Standard English usages

In standard English, the verb "swag" primarily denotes a heavy or unsteady swaying, swinging, or lurching motion, often applied to objects hanging loosely or moving under their own weight.^[12] This usage, recorded since the early 16th century, describes actions such as a pendulum swinging or fabric billowing, as in the phrase "the branches swag in the breeze."^[4] For instance, in Richard D. Blackmore's 1894 novel Perlycross, the term illustrates a canvas curtain's resistance to a sudden "swag," evoking a natural, pendulous drop.^[6] As a noun, "swag" refers to the resulting swaying motion, curve, or dip formed by such hanging or subsidence, capturing the arc-like droop of suspended items.^[6] The Oxford English Dictionary cites examples like "the swag of a rope," where the term denotes the loose, curving sag under tension, a usage traceable to at least the 17th century.^[6] In 19th-century literature, this appears in Rudyard Kipling's 1903 poem "The Old Issue" from The Five Nations, describing "swaying shoulders, at the paunch’s swag" to convey the rhythmic, weighted undulation of a moving body.^[6] Additionally, in basic decorative contexts, "swag" signifies a valance or draped garland of fabric, foliage, or garlands hung in a festooned curve between fixed points, as seen in William Felton's 1795 Treatise on Carriages, where "swags of Flowers painted on the Pannels" illustrate simple ornamental draping.^[6]^[2] These definitions, rooted in the word's Scandinavian origins denoting swing or sway, emphasize physical motion and form in everyday and literary descriptions without connoting style or plunder.^[12] Merriam-Webster similarly defines the noun as "a slow movement back and forth; sway," exemplified in Robert Penn Warren's prose as the "deep inner swag of the river," highlighting the term's utility in depicting fluid, curving paths in nature or narrative.^[2]

Slang and colloquial terms

Style and confidence

In contemporary slang, "swag" refers to a sense of effortless coolness, stylish presentation, and bold self-assurance, often manifested through clothing choices, posture, and overall demeanor.^[13] This usage evolved from the term "swagger," which gained traction in hip-hop during the 1990s to denote a confident, boastful attitude, as seen in Brand Nubian's 1990 track "Slow Down," where it described an arrogant strut.^[14] By the early 2000s, "swag" emerged as a clipped form, first notably employed by Jay-Z in his 2003 album The Black Album on songs like "Public Service Announcement (Interlude)," where he rapped about his innate style and poise.^[14] Artists such as Lil Wayne further amplified its adoption, contributing a verse to T.I.'s 2008 hit "Swagga Like Us" (featuring Jay-Z and Kanye West), which celebrated personal flair and dominance in the rap scene.^[15] The term's rise in urban culture during the mid-to-late 2000s transformed it into a hallmark of youth identity, emphasizing unapologetic confidence over mere bravado.^[15] Post-2010, swag influenced fashion trends like slim-fit jeans, layered streetwear, and bold accessories, as depicted in music videos such as Soulja Boy's 2009 "Turn My Swag On," which showcased exaggerated poses and vibrant outfits to embody the concept.^[15] This visual style permeated pop culture, bridging hip-hop with mainstream appeal and inspiring ironic appropriations by figures like Lil B, who used it to denote playful self-empowerment.^[15] Swag's cultural footprint extends to social media, where it fosters expressions of individuality through hashtags like #swag on platforms such as TikTok, amassing millions of videos demonstrating "swag walks"—deliberate, rhythmic gaits symbolizing poise—and related memes that humorously exaggerate confident personas.^[13] Phrases like "walk with swag" have become shorthand for cultivating charisma, reflecting the term's enduring role in digital youth culture since its hip-hop inception.^[15]

Loot and plunder

In late 18th-century English thieves' cant, "swag" emerged as slang for a thief's plunder or booty, denoting a quantity of money or goods unlawfully acquired.^[6] This usage was first attested in 1794, and later recorded in James Hardy Vaux's 1819 Vocabulary of the Flash Language, where it described any booty recently obtained except money itself. The term likely derived from earlier senses of "swag" referring to a sagging or swaying bundle or bag, stemming from Scandinavian roots akin to Old Norse sveggja, meaning "to swing" or "to sway," evoking the image of a laden sack carried by a criminal.^[1] Dictionary authorities define "swag" in this context as goods obtained by illegal means. Merriam-Webster describes it as "goods acquired by unlawful means," synonymous with booty or loot, with examples from early 20th-century American literature illustrating hidden proceeds from graft.^[2] Similarly, the Collins English Dictionary specifies "swag" as "stolen goods, or money obtained illegally," emphasizing its roots in criminal subcultures.^[16] This negative connotation tied "swag" to burglary and theft, extending to pirate contexts where it implied ill-gotten seafaring hauls, though pirates more commonly employed terms like "booty" in historical accounts.^[4] Historical examples abound in 18th- and 19th-century literature depicting criminal enterprises. In Daniel Defoe's A General History of the Pyrates (1724), though predating the slang's attestation, similar concepts of stolen hauls foreshadowed "swag" in later pirate tales, such as those romanticizing buccaneer spoils in 19th-century novels. By the 20th century, American slang adapted it for burglary loot, as seen in a 1971 New York Times report on the "swag market," where black-market dealers traded in stolen merchandise from urban thefts.^[17] The usage of "swag" for loot declined in common parlance by the late 20th century, largely supplanted by "loot" as the preferred term for stolen goods in both British and American English. Nonetheless, it lingers in phrases like "swag bag," originally denoting a thief's sack for carrying illicit hauls, distinct from modern repurposings.^[18] This criminal sense contrasts with the word's later evolution into positive slang for personal style and confidence in the 21st century.

Promotional items

Promotional items, commonly referred to as "swag," encompass low-cost, branded merchandise distributed by companies to promote their brand, foster goodwill, or engage audiences at events such as conferences, trade shows, and corporate gatherings. These giveaways typically include everyday items like T-shirts, pens, tote bags, water bottles, and keychains, which bear the company's logo and are designed to extend brand visibility beyond the initial interaction. Unlike high-end gifts, swag prioritizes affordability and utility to maximize reach, often handed out in bulk to attendees or employees.^[20]^[21] The practice of using branded promotional items traces its roots to the late 18th century, with early examples including commemorative buttons distributed during George Washington's 1789 presidential campaign to rally supporters. By the mid-19th century, items like marked burlap sacks and calendars became common in the U.S., evolving into a structured industry by the early 1900s through trade shows and catalogs that made customization accessible to businesses. The term "swag" specifically for these promotional products gained traction in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s amid rising corporate branding efforts, and became ubiquitous in tech and marketing sectors by the 2000s as companies like startups and Silicon Valley firms used it to build culture and attract talent. This shift marked a departure from generic trinkets toward more thoughtful, design-oriented items that align with brand identity. By 2024, U.S. industry sales reached a record $26.6 billion.^[22]^[23]^[24]^[25] Examples of swag abound in high-profile settings, such as the lavish gift bags at the Academy Awards, where nominees receive curated collections valued at over $100,000, including skincare sets, luggage, and experiential perks like spa treatments, curated by marketing firms to secure celebrity endorsements and media exposure. Companies also maintain dedicated swag stores; Google's online merch shop, for instance, offers apparel, drinkware, and tech accessories emblazoned with its logo, distributed at events or as employee perks to reinforce company culture. Similarly, Red Bull leverages branded merchandise like apparel and accessories through its official shop and event giveaways, tying swag to extreme sports sponsorships for adrenaline-fueled brand association. Economically, the U.S. promotional products industry reached approximately $26.1 billion in sales volume as of 2023, underscoring swag's role in driving marketing ROI through repeated impressions.^[26]^[27]^[28] Selecting effective swag requires balancing usefulness, cost, and relevance to the target audience, with criteria emphasizing items that recipients will actually use to ensure prolonged brand exposure—such as eco-friendly tote bags over disposable novelties—while keeping production under $5 per unit for scalability. Best practices include aligning choices with the event context and demographics; for example, tech conferences favor portable chargers, whereas wellness events suit branded water bottles. Google's approach exemplifies this by prioritizing high-quality, functional items like hoodies and notebooks that employees wear daily, boosting internal morale and external visibility at industry expos. Red Bull, meanwhile, selects adrenaline-themed gear like caps and stickers for sports events, enhancing fan loyalty without excessive spending, as seen in their limited-edition promotional packs. Overall, data from industry studies show that useful swag yields up to 85% higher retention rates compared to less practical alternatives, making audience-centric selection key to success.^[29]^[30]^[31]

Historical and regional uses

Australian bedroll

The Australian swag, also known as a bedroll, is a traditional portable sleeping bundle consisting of bedding and personal belongings wrapped in a waterproof canvas or oilskin cover, designed for easy transport by foot, horseback, or later bicycle.^[32] It typically includes blankets, a groundsheet, and sometimes a pillow or spare clothing stored in an integrated pocket, all rolled tightly to form a compact cylinder that could be slung over the shoulder or secured to a packhorse.^[33] The construction emphasized durability and weather resistance, often featuring double-layered materials like heavy canvas with an olive green waterproof lining, secured by leather straps and metal buckles to prevent unraveling during long journeys.^[33]^[32] This design emerged in the 19th century amid Australia's gold rushes and the expansion of remote sheep stations, where itinerant workers known as swagmen relied on it for shelter while traveling vast distances in search of seasonal employment such as shearing or droving.^[34] The term "swag" for this bedroll was first recorded in Australian English in 1836, evolving from British slang for a thief's bundle to denote the practical roll carried by rural laborers from the 1860s onward.^[35] During the late 19th century, these workers faced harsh outback conditions, using the swag not only for sleeping on the ground but also as a multifunctional container for essentials like billycans and changes of clothing, enabling mobility across isolated regions.^[36] Over time, the swag has evolved into modern insulated camping versions, incorporating foam mattresses and synthetic waterproof fabrics for enhanced comfort in contemporary outdoor pursuits, while retaining the core rolled format.^[37] Culturally, the swag symbolizes the resilient bush lifestyle of early Australian settlers and travelers, immortalized in folklore as the possession of the wandering swagman in Banjo Paterson's 1895 bush ballad "Waltzing Matilda," where "waltzing" refers to carrying the swag on the road.^[38]^[39] This iconic representation underscores themes of independence and hardship in Australian identity, with the swag evoking the transient freedom of outback life.^[38]

Swagman and itinerant workers

A swagman, also known as a "swaggie" or "sundowner," was a transient itinerant laborer in Australia during the 19th and early 20th centuries, traveling on foot through rural areas in search of seasonal or casual work on farms and pastoral properties.^[40] These workers, predominantly men but occasionally including women, emerged prominently during economic depressions such as those in the 1890s and 1930s, when unemployment drove many to the outback for opportunities in shearing, harvesting, or fencing.^[41] Their lifestyle was nomadic and opportunistic, relying on rural hospitality for short-term employment in exchange for food and basic shelter.^[40] Daily life for a swagman involved carrying a swag—a bundle containing bedding and personal items—along with a tucker bag for provisions and a billy for boiling water over open fires.^[40] They camped rough under trees or in makeshift shelters, enduring isolation, harsh weather, and physical exhaustion from long treks between stations, often alone or in small groups.^[42] Challenges were acute during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when economic hardship intensified poverty, health issues, and social stigma, as documented in the diaries of Welsh immigrant Joseph Jenkins, who labored as a swagman in Victoria from 1869 to 1894 and recorded struggles with low wages, alcoholism, and loneliness.^[42] Bartering labor for meals like damper or stew became a survival strategy amid declining rural hospitality.^[41] The swagman became an enduring cultural icon in Australian folklore, symbolizing resilience and independence, particularly through literature and music.^[43] Banjo Paterson's 1895 poem and song "Waltzing Matilda" immortalized the "jolly swagman" as a rebellious bush figure camping by a billabong, capturing a sheep for sustenance, and defying authority, which resonated as a metaphor for egalitarian values.^[43] This depiction extended to other works by Paterson, such as "The Swagman's Rest," portraying the hardships and humor of outback wandering.^[40] The figure's prominence waned after the 1940s, as mechanized farming, improved transport, and social welfare reduced the need for itinerant labor, rendering swagmen rare by the 1950s.^[40] In modern Australia, the swagman endures as a symbol of national resilience and adventure, influencing cultural heritage and tourism.^[44] Contemporary figures like Campbell Irvine, a New Zealand-born performer known as "Campbell the Swaggie," revive the tradition through poetry recitals and storytelling at folk festivals, traveling back roads and camping by campfires to preserve bush lore inspired by Paterson and Henry Lawson.^[45] This legacy also appears in adventure tourism, where swagman experiences evoke the outback's spirit of self-reliance.^[44]

Acronyms

Scientific wild-ass guess

SWAG, an acronym for Scientific Wild-Ass Guess, refers to a rough, intuitive estimate made by an expert in technical or scientific fields when comprehensive data or analysis is unavailable or impractical.^[46] This approach draws on professional experience and domain knowledge to provide a ballpark figure, emphasizing its informal yet informed nature.^[47] The term originated in the mid-20th century within U.S. military contexts during the Vietnam War era, where it was coined as a lighthearted acknowledgment of the inherent uncertainties in battlefield or operational estimations.^[47] Its adoption spread to engineering and scientific communities, including NASA, which formally listed it in acronym glossaries by the late 1990s to denote such speculative approximations.^[48] The humorous phrasing underscores the guesswork involved, distinguishing it from more precise methodologies while highlighting reliance on expertise.^[49] In practice, SWAGs are employed in scenarios requiring quick judgments, such as project management for approximating software development timelines without detailed scoping, or in physics problem-solving to evaluate outcomes based on analogous prior cases.^[50] For instance, engineers might use a SWAG to predict hardware failure rates in system design by extrapolating from historical performance data in similar environments, avoiding the need for exhaustive simulations.^[51] This method promotes efficiency in high-stakes settings but is always qualified by its provisional status, often serving as a starting point for refined calculations.^[48]

Stuff we all get

In the promotional products industry, SWAG stands for "Stuff We All Get," a backronym that emerged in the 1990s to describe free branded merchandise distributed for marketing purposes.^[52] This term gained traction during the dot-com boom, when companies increasingly used giveaways to build brand visibility at trade shows and events, reflecting a shift toward informal, ubiquitous promotional tactics in U.S. business culture.^[7] SWAG finds applications in corporate gifting to clients, event swag bags at conferences, and employee perks to foster loyalty and morale. Businesses employ these items to enhance engagement, with strategies for measuring return on investment (ROI) often involving brand recall studies that track consumer memory of logos on received products. For instance, a 2023 study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) found that 66% of recipients could recall the brand on a promotional item they had used in the past year, demonstrating higher retention compared to digital ads.^[53] Such metrics help quantify impact through surveys and attribution models linking swag distribution to increased inquiries or sales. The rise of e-commerce has amplified SWAG's reach since 2015, particularly through curated swag boxes shipped directly to recipients for remote onboarding or virtual events, capitalizing on the growth of online corporate gifting platforms. As of 2024, the U.S. promotional products market reached $26.78 billion in sales, up 2.63% from the previous year; preliminary 2025 data indicates continued modest growth of 0.7% through the summer.^[54]^[55] Notable trends include sustainable materials like recycled plastics and organic fabrics to align with consumer demands for eco-conscious branding, alongside increasing adoption of technology such as AI-driven personalization.^[56]^[57]

Arts and entertainment

Music

In hip-hop and rap music, "swag" has served as a central motif since the mid-1990s, representing a performer's distinctive style, confidence, and charisma, often contrasted with inauthenticity or lack thereof in lyrics. This usage evolved prominently in the 2000s, particularly within trap and rap genres, where artists employed it to assert dominance and cultural identity through boastful narratives and rhythmic delivery.^[58]^[59] One early example appears in Das EFX's 1995 album Hold It Down, with the track "Swag II," where the duo's signature iggity rhyme scheme weaves motifs of effortless cool and lyrical superiority, positioning swag as an innate hip-hop essence that sets true artists apart from imitators. The song's playful yet aggressive tone highlights swag as both a personal attribute and a competitive edge, influencing later East Coast flows. The term gained mainstream traction in the late 2000s through club anthems like "Swag Surfin'" by F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz), released in 2009 and peaking on Billboard charts that year. The track's repetitive chorus celebrates collective swag through a simple dance move—waving hands side-to-side—symbolizing unity and hype, which became a ritual at HBCU events and NBA games. Its viral music video amplified the slang's association with youthful exuberance and party culture.^[60]^[61] By 2010, swag permeated R&B and female-led rap, as seen in Ciara's "Pretty Girl Swag," a mixtape single from her Basic Instinct era that charted modestly but resonated for flipping the term into an anthem of feminine poise and allure. The lyrics emphasize visual and attitudinal flair, with Ciara's performance style in live sets and videos reinforcing swag as empowering self-expression. Meanwhile, Lil B's "Swag Like Ohio" that same year epitomized the based rap subgenre, using absurd, repetitive hooks to mock and embrace regional pride, sparking TikTok revivals and dance challenges years later.^[62]^[63] T.I.'s 2012 output, amid his trap revival with Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head, incorporated "no swag" critiques in verses to dismantle rivals' credibility, underscoring swag's role as a benchmark for authenticity in Southern rap. This era's emphasis on swag influenced broader trends, with music videos featuring flashy attire and choreography driving its slang into pop culture, evidenced by chart-toppers like those from the swag era boosting related terms in sales and streams.^[64]^[65] Overall, these works propelled swag from niche lyricism to a cultural phenomenon, shaping trap's visual aesthetics and interactive fan engagement through viral hits and performances.^[66]

Literature and film

In Australian bush literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the swagman—a transient laborer carrying his belongings in a swag—emerged as a central figure symbolizing resilience and the hardships of outback life. Henry Lawson's short story "The Romance of the Swag" (1901) portrays the swag as both a practical bundle and a emblem of nomadic freedom, drawing from the author's own experiences tramping through rural Australia.^[67] Similarly, poets like A.B. "Banjo" Paterson depicted swagmen in works such as "The Swagman's Rest" (1895), where the character reflects on death and camaraderie among itinerants, highlighting themes of mateship and isolation in the vast landscape.^[68] C.J. Dennis's poem "The Swagman" (1921) further humanizes the archetype as a weathered elder enduring poverty and toil, reinforcing the swagman's role in fostering national identity through tales of endurance.^[69] In American crime fiction, "swag" often refers to stolen goods, as seen in Elmore Leonard's 1976 novel Swag, which follows two Detroit hustlers, Frank Ryan and Ernest "Stick" Stickley Jr., as they devise "Ten Golden Rules for Successful Armed Robbery" during a series of holdups. The narrative uses "swag" to underscore the allure and peril of ill-gotten gains, blending humor with gritty realism in a tale of escalating criminal ambition.^[70] This thematic integration of swag as loot influenced later crime genres, where it symbolizes quick riches amid moral ambiguity. The portrayal of "swag" has evolved from 19th-century depictions of swagmen's bedrolls in Australian tales to 21st-century slang denoting stylish confidence in urban fiction. In contemporary works, such as those in hip-hop-inspired narratives, "swag" describes a character's charismatic flair or cool demeanor, reflecting cultural shifts from physical burdens to personal swagger.^[4] This transition appears in modern urban stories, where protagonists wield "swag" as a form of social currency, echoing earlier loot motifs but emphasizing identity over possession. In film, "swag" features both literally and thematically, particularly in adaptations tied to Australian folklore and crime narratives. The 1965 British musical comedy Up Jumped a Swagman follows an Australian singer navigating London. The 2010 experimental short film Swag, directed by Vera Iona Papadopoulou, explores a woman's quest for her stolen shoes as a metaphor for self-discovery, employing "swag" to connote both theft and elusive personal style. Crime genre films often reference swag as plunder, amplifying tension in heist plots, while adaptations of "Waltzing Matilda"—such as animated shorts—portray the swagman as a defiant folk hero confronting authority over a stolen sheep. Other media, including television, incorporate "swag" in narrative roles that highlight excess or deception. The 2007 episode "Swag" of Ugly Betty depicts fashion magazine staff scrambling for promotional freebies, satirizing consumer frenzy around branded loot in a high-society setting.^[71] The 2003-2004 UK prank series Swag traps opportunistic thieves with staged scenarios, using the term to mock greed and criminal intent in hidden-camera setups.^[72] These examples illustrate "swag"'s versatility, from historical itinerants to contemporary critiques of materialism.

Other uses

Architecture and decoration

In architecture and decoration, a swag refers to a carved or modeled ornamental motif depicting a garland of stylized flowers, fruit, foliage, or draped fabric, suspended in a drooping curve between two points, often tied with ribbons to evoke a sense of abundance and festivity.^[73] This design, also known as a festoon when emphasizing natural elements, has been a staple in classical ornamentation for its ability to add rhythmic, flowing decoration to friezes, entablatures, and panels.^[74] The swag motif originated in ancient Roman architecture, where it appeared as a carved element on temples, altars, and public monuments, symbolizing imperial grandeur through depictions of laurel or ivy garlands.^[74] Revived during the Renaissance, particularly in Italian designs influenced by Vitruvius and ancient precedents, it gained prominence in neoclassical buildings, such as those following Palladian principles, where swags adorned pediments and cornices to convey classical harmony and proportion.^[75] In the Victorian era, the motif proliferated in eclectic revivals, appearing on mantelpieces, door surrounds, and exterior facades of homes and public structures, often combined with urns and garlands to enhance ornate, historicist aesthetics.^[76] In modern interior decoration, fabric swags have evolved as soft, draped window treatments, where lengths of cloth are gathered and looped to frame openings, providing both aesthetic elegance and light control since the 18th century. These treatments, common in formal spaces, mimic the carved swag's curvature through cascading folds, as seen in traditional English and American interiors inspired by Georgian styles. Techniques for creating fabric swags involve precise draping methods, such as pinning or tying fabric at anchor points to form symmetric loops, with adjustments for depth and fullness to suit room proportions. By the 20th century, these evolved to incorporate synthetic materials like rayon and nylon, offering durable, wrinkle-resistant alternatives to natural fabrics for more accessible and versatile applications in contemporary decor.^[77]

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Swag - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating in the 1520s from a Scandinavian source akin to Old Norse "sveggja," meaning to swing, it means to move heavily or unsteadily, also a lurching ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Definition of SWAG
### Extracted Definitions of "Swag"
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swag
### Definitions of 'swag' from Cambridge Dictionary
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a slang word that refers to stylish confidence. It shows up in songs ("Check out my swag, yo / I walk like a ballplayer"—Jay Z) and social media hashtags ...Missing: sway | Show results with:sway
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Shift in Crime Patterns Producing More 'Fences' - The New York Times
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Feb 23, 2023 · Oscar nominees who receive the gifts will also receive things like Miage skincare sets, ēcōMD retinol, and Havaianas flip flops and luggage sets ...
[26]
https://www.ppai.org/media-hub/want-to-peek-inside-those-200000-oscars-gift-bags/
[27]
Promotional Products 101: A Guide to Using Them Effectively
Oct 6, 2021 · The key to choosing the best promotional products rests with the industry, organization, and intended recipient. Entities of all shapes and ...
[28]
How to Pick the Best Branded Merchandise in 2024
Nov 5, 2024 · 8 Tips to Pick the Best Branded Merchandise in 2024 · 1. Work with a Dedicated Brand Consultant · 2. Consider the Event · 3. Understand Your ...
[29]
https://www.ama.org/marketing-news/what-are-promotional-products/
[30]
Leather Bedroll Cover; H25850 - Queensland Museum
This leather bedroll cover would have contained blankets or other bedding which was rolled up and carried, also known as a 'swag'.
[31]
Swag : Lieutenant A R Cutler, 2/5 Australian Field Regiment, AIF
Private purchase brown canvas bed roll with an olive green waterproof lining and round ended pocket at the head to hold a pillow or spare clothing that would ...
[32]
Gold Gold Gold... - ABC listen - ABC News
Dec 29, 2000 · ... mining refuse'. The phrase 'to hump one's swag' is usually associated with itinerant rural workers of the final quarter of the 19th century ...
[33]
Meanings and origins of Australian words and idioms
... bed-roll. First recorded in 1836. The Australian sense of swag is a transferred use of swag from British thieves' slang 'a thief's plunder or booty'. The ...
[34]
Station life | State Library of New South Wales
Mustering on big stations used to mean long days spent in the saddle, camping out in isolated areas and sleeping in a swag (bedroll) on the ground – these days ...
[35]
The History of Camping Swags: From Traditional Roots to Modern ...
Dec 6, 2023 · Also known as a bedroll or bindle, camping swags are used all over the world, but their origins can be traced back to the 1800s in Australia and ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[36]
Waltzing Matilda | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
'Waltzing Matilda', a poem by Banjo Paterson, was first recorded 30 years after it was written in 1895. The melody of the song is attributed to Christina ...
[37]
Australian words - W | School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics
waltzing Matilda: to waltz Matilda · To carry a swag; to travel the road. A matilda is a swag, the roll or bundle of possessions carried by an itinerant worker ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[38]
On the Road: The Swagman – Old Treasury Building
### Summary of Swagmen in Australian History
[39]
[PDF] Itinerant Workers in nineteenth-century Australia
A Passing Occupation: An Exploration of the History and Heritage of Itinerant Workers in Rural New South. Wales, 1850–1914. (Doctor of Philosophy), Charles ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[40]
Waltzing Matilda: The Welshman who lived the swagman life - BBC
Mar 21, 2024 · The diary he kept each day for 25 years as a "Swagman", or itinerant farm labourer, in Victoria is one of the most comprehensive and ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[41]
Billy | National Museum of Australia
In particular it was linked to the swagman, the nomadic traveller in search of work, who is also the central character in Waltzing Matilda. It was around ...
[42]
The History and Traditions of the Australian Swagman
Aug 25, 2024 · “Waltzing Matilda” refers to the swagman carrying his swag, with “Matilda” being a colloquial term for the swag itself. This song has become an ...
[43]
The Last Swagman? - The Age
Apr 13, 2018 · Campbell the Swaggie is a modern day swagman who has been making his way around Australia for 40 years.Photographer Justin McManus tells his story.Missing: tourism symbol resilience<|control11|><|separator|>
[44]
Understanding Swag · digital.ai Agility
Sep 23, 2024 · Swag stands for Scientific Wild Ass Guess, and is a slang word meaning a rough estimate from an expert in the field, based on his/her experience and intuition.
[45]
SWAG Technique - The Strategic CFO®
Mar 9, 2016 · During the Vietnam War era, the military coined the term SWAG – Scientific Wild-Ass Guess. CBS released “The Uncounted Enemy: a Vietnam ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[46]
[PDF] ACRONYM LIST 1 - Astrophysics Science Division
Jan 25, 1999 · SCIENTIFIC "WILD ASS" GUESS. SWAS. SUBMILLIMETER WAVE ASTRONOMY SATELLITE. SWE. SOLAR WIND EXPERIMENT. SWG. SCIENCE WORKING GROUP. SYNC.
[47]
NOAA'S FISHERY SCIENCE: IS THE LACK OF BASIC SCIENCE ...
We should reject the notion that a swag--a scientific wild ass guess--is good enough to be the foundation of management for hundreds of marine stocks that ...
[48]
https://asd.gsfc.nasa.gov/archive/sm3a/downloads/acronym1.pdf
[49]
SWAG Meaning in Construction: From A to Z - Opteam
The acronym SWAG stands for “Scientific Wild-Ass Guess.” It is a term used to describe an educated guess based on experience, intuition, and available data.
[50]
How the business of swag became a multibillion-dollar industry
Oct 7, 2019 · Andrews said swag is an acronym for "stuff we all get" and reckons we all have been getting it since at least the 1880s, when enterprising ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[51]
[PDF] US Distributors' Promotional Products Sales - 2024 - PPAI
In 2024, the promotional products industry witnessed modest growth, with total sales volume increasing by 2.63% to reach $26.78 billion, up from $26.09 billion ...
[52]
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/features/how-business-swag-became-multibillion-dollar-industry
[53]
Swag: Hip-Hop's Word Of The Year : The Record - NPR
Dec 26, 2011 · 2011 was a good year for the word "swag". Not trinkets, or party favors, not an acronym for Stuff We All Get, "swag" comes from swagger.
[54]
Futuristic Swag: A Legendary Atlanta Movement - snobhop
Mar 14, 2025 · It was a new type of swag for Atlanta; some called it Futuristic, and others called it black boy/white boy swag. And this wasn't like the early ...
[55]
'I'm swaggin', I'm surfin': the staying power of the sports anthem ...
Feb 9, 2024 · Fifteen years after the release of Swag Surfin', Fast Life Yungstaz are embracing the moment: 'It's hard not to move when it comes on'.
[56]
F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz) "Swag Surfin" Officially Goes Platinum
Mar 28, 2024 · According to AJC, in August 2008, DJ Pretty Boy Tank was the first to play “Swag Surfin” which took nearly a month to resonate with fans.
[57]
Pretty Girl Swag (song by Ciara) – Music VF, US & UK hit charts
Pretty Girl Swag ; Ride (05/2010 • 45 pts), Pretty Girl Swag (08/2010 • 1 pts), Speechless (09/2010 • 1 pts) ...
[58]
Lil B – Swag Like Ohio Lyrics - Genius
Swag Like Ohio is a song by Lil B released in 2011. Lil B conveys the message that he's swagging in the state of Ohio. This song went viral on TikTok in August ...
[59]
Same Damn Time (Remix) (feat. Diddy & Ludacris) - Spotify
You rappers ain't got no swag, you need to kill your fuckin' stylist (oh). They bitin' like piranha (yeah), then cryin' to they mama (yeah). These niggas best ...
[60]
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/09/swag-surfin-fly-fast-life-yungstaz-interview
[61]
Ten Years of Swag Surfin' | The New Yorker
Mar 22, 2019 · “Swag Surfin'” was the song that we needed to capture all the bliss of the earliest days and months of the Obama era.
[62]
The Romance of the Swag - Project Gutenberg Australia
I've carried swag for months out back in Australia—and it was life, in spite of its “squalidness” and meanness and wretchedness and hardship ...
[63]
THE SWAGMAN'S REST by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson (1864 - 1941)
THE SWAGMAN'S REST by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson. We buried old Bob where the bloodwoods wave At the foot of the Eaglehawk; We fashioned a cross on the old man's ...
[64]
The Swagman by C J Dennis - Famous poems, famous poets.
"The Swagman" by CJ Dennis portrays an elder traveler enduring a harsh life on the road. The poem is characterized by its simplicity and authenticity.
[65]
Swag - HarperCollins Publishers
In stock Free delivery over $35This "brilliant caper" (New York Times) from bestselling author Elmore Leonard is a rollicking tale of modern urban crime featuring a cast of small-time ...
[66]
"Ugly Betty" Swag (TV Episode 2007) - IMDb
Rating 7.5/10 (326) The assistants whip themselves into a frenzy over who will get the swag when Christina announces she is going to clean out the magazine's closet.Missing: titled | Show results with:titled
[67]
Swag (TV Series 2003–2004) - IMDb
Rating 8.7/10 (18) Swag (2003). Reality TV. Chancers beware: Swag is coming to get you. Swag targeted the dodgy, the opportunist and the downright criminal, the series put ...Missing: titled | Show results with:titled
[68]
[PDF] Illustrated Glossary of Terms - Institute of Classical Architecture & Art
See ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE. FESTOON. A garland made of fruits, flowers, leaves, or husks, and hanging in a curve. Alternative term: Swag. See also GARLAND ...
[69]
Festoon - Buffalo Architecture and History
This motif was developed as a complement to other decorative ornaments, hanging as "drops" at the ends of a festoon or swag.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[70]
American Georgian Interiors (Mid-Eighteenth-Century Period Rooms)
Jul 1, 2007 · In the Marmion parlor, swags, urns, and other Rococo motifs were added to the already richly carved woodwork. The chimney-breast in the Powel ...
[71]
Architectural Style Guide - Historic New England
Curved open staircases that included classically decorated pediments and pilasters; Decorative motifs include: swags, garlands, urns, and classical geometric ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[72]
Fabric In Fashion
Rayon was the first man-made fiber, marketed as an alternative to silk during the early twentieth century. Truly synthetic fibers followed. Made from petroleum ...Missing: interior | Show results with:interior
[73]
What Is Swaging in the Manufacturing Industry? | OneMonroe
Jun 9, 2020 · Swaging is a forging process that involves the use of compressive forces to deform and manipulate the shape of a workpiece via a die.
[74]
Swage - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Swage, from French suage (1812) linked to suer "to sweat," means to shape or bend metal using a tool; origin reflects its use in cold metal bending.
[75]
What is Swaging? - Suncor Stainless
Swaging, also pronounced “swedge”, is a metal-forming technique in which the metal of one part is deformed to fit around another part by either pressing or ...
[76]
Swaging Machines: What They Are and How They Work - Fenn Torin
Jan 3, 2019 · Swaging is a metal forming method that is used to reduce rod, wire or tube. Unlike other methods, swaging uses a rapid succession of hammer strikes to form the ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[77]
Hanchett Swage Works - History | VintageMachinery.org
Mar 15, 2016 · The Hanchett Swage Works was founded in 1889 by John Hanchett, to manufacture his patent saw swage for bandsaw blades.
[78]
Swaging: Essential Metal Forming Technique Explained - Top Parts
Aug 30, 2024 · The history of swaging can be traced back to ancient metalworking techniques, where it was employed to create various tools and weapons. The ...
[79]
Different Types of Swaging Machines - Fenn Torin
Mar 20, 2020 · Stationary swagers can produce any cross-section other than a perfect circle and can perform both hot and cold swaging operations. During ...
[80]
Swaging Machines Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications
Rotary swaging, also known as radial swaging, is often a cold working process used to reduce tube diameter, produce a tapered end, or to add a point to a round ...
[81]
Swaging Tools: The Secret to Perfect Metalworking - Aerospaceer
Swaging is also used in jewelry making and other crafts where wire and tubing need to be shaped and formed.
[82]
Rotary Swaging Applications From Aerospace to Automotive
Nov 26, 2024 · Rotary swaging also plays a significant role in automotive manufacturing to create essential parts like drive shafts, axles, and steering ...Missing: jewelry | Show results with:jewelry<|separator|>
[83]
Precision Swaging | Swaging Solutions for Custom Components
Swaging Cable Ends: Ensures secure and reliable connections for cables used in various automotive systems, including control cables and electrical wiring. 3 ...
[84]
How Swaging Technology Is Shaping the Future of Aircraft ...
Apr 10, 2025 · Swaging machines can achieve very tight tolerances, producing parts that meet the exact specifications demanded by aerospace engineering.
[85]
Aerospace Swaging Company - Lafarge & Egge
Lafarge & Egge is a leading aerospace swaging company specializing in precision tube assemblies for the aerospace industry.