“Swank” usually describes something very stylish, fancy, or showy, and it can also refer to showing off in a confident, attention‑seeking way.

Core meanings

  • As an adjective, swank means very fashionable, elegant, or expensive, similar to “swanky” or “posh” (e.g., “a swank hotel”).
  • As a noun, it can mean stylishness or ostentatious display, especially in dress or lifestyle.
  • As a verb, to “swank” means to swagger or behave in a way meant to impress others, often by showing off.

Tone and context

  • In traditional British English, “swank” or “to swank” can sound slightly disapproving, implying someone is a bit full of themselves.
  • In modern casual or slangy use, especially online, people often use “swank” more positively to praise something that looks impressively cool or luxurious (e.g., “That outfit is swank”).

Simple examples

  • “They live in a swank apartment downtown.” → very stylish, upscale place.
  • “He’s always swanking about his new car.” → he keeps showing off to impress others.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.