Here's why:
* No written records: Words often exist in spoken language long before they're recorded in writing.
* Meaning evolution: The meaning of "swagger" has shifted over time. It's likely that an earlier form of the word existed with a slightly different meaning.
* Regional variations: Words can arise independently in different regions and dialects.
However, we can look at some clues:
* Earliest recorded use: The earliest recorded use of "swagger" in English dates back to the 16th century, meaning "to boast or brag."
* Roots: The word is thought to be related to the Dutch word "swaggeren," which meant "to roam, wander, or stroll." This suggests an earlier connection to movement and confidence.
Therefore, while we don't know the first person to use "swagger," we can speculate that it originated as a term related to boasting and confident movement, likely in the 16th century or earlier.