Swanky, an adjective, refers to something imposingly elegant, ritzy, expensive, stylish, or fashionable. Because it connotes ostentation and pretension, it's derogatory, especially when applied to someone else's choices in clothes or possessions. See also swank, which is sometimes used interchangeably.

Swank"ie, Swank"y (?), n. [Cf. G. schwank flexible, pliant.]

An active and clever young fellow.

[Scot.]

Sir W. Scott.

 

© Webster 1913.

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