adjective / noun / verb

swank

SWANK/swˈæŋk/

Showy style or behavior intended to impress.

The woman's conspicuous display of luxurious clothes and jewelry adds swank to her appearance.

An elegantly dressed older woman makes a conspicuous display of her luxurious outfit and jewelry to an admiring older man, emphasizing showy style rather than simple elegance.

Etymology

Dialect swank meant strutting or ostentatious behavior, the basis of its sense of stylish display. Its possible connection with “swing” may reflect showy body movement, but that ancestry is uncertain.

More examples

They host the reception at a swank downtown hotel.
He swanks around town in his new sports car.
She prefers simple comfort to the swank of luxury resorts.

Forms

swank · swanks · swanked · swanking · swanker · swankest

swanky adjective — Stylish and expensive in a showy way.

Similar words

ostentation: Emphasizes deliberate displays of wealth or status, often disapprovingly.
swagger: Emphasizes cocky confidence in someone's walk, manner, or behavior.