Here's a breakdown of the word's history and how it came to be associated with coolness and style:
* Oldest Meaning: "Swag" originally comes from the Old Norse word "sveig," meaning "to bend" or "to sway." This evolved into "swag" meaning "to hang loosely" or "to dangle" in the 14th century.
* Early 20th Century: In the early 1900s, "swag" began being used to refer to stolen goods or booty.
* Hip-Hop Influence: By the 1990s, "swag" started appearing in hip-hop slang, often linked to having confidence and style. This is likely connected to the way stolen goods were sometimes viewed as "cool" or "desired" in some circles.
* Modern Usage: The word "swag" exploded in popularity in the 2000s and 2010s, becoming a general term for coolness, confidence, and stylishness. It was popularized by celebrities and influencers, becoming a common term for clothing, accessories, and even a way of carrying oneself.
So, instead of one inventor, the modern meaning of "swag" emerged from the confluence of several cultural trends and linguistic shifts.