Mama’s New Word

I learned a new word from my daughter Quent today.

Don't Let the Smile Fool Ya

“Swag-Jacker” (short for “Swagger-Jacker”)

I’m sure I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I think it might be one of the best words I’ve ever heard.

I may be 45 years old, and a married mother of three, but you know I like to get my slang on. Sometimes no other type of language will do!  “Swag-jacker” is the ultimate in slang, combining two great slang words, “swag” and “jacking” into a highly descriptive compound slang word.  You will definitely catch me using it now that I know it.  After all, I already use “swag” and “jack,” so it’s just verbal evolution for me.

For those of you who don’t know, “swag”  (also “swagger”) refers to a person’s unique style — in fashion, art, music, sports, etc. — typically exhibited with self-confidence.  This exhibition of self-confidence may be slightly in-your-face, but not obnoxiously so.  “Swag,” or “swagger,” are exclusively used admiringly.  Believe me, you are being paid a high compliment if you’re referred to as a dude (or lady) with swag.

“Jacking” is stealing, as in car-jacking.  So someone who steals is a “jacker.”  You can pretty much “jack” anything:  cars, money, candy from a baby.  But you really don’t want to be caught swag-jacking.  It’s a sign of character weakness.  A clear indication that you don’t have what it takes to create your own swag, so you have to copy someone else’s style (their clothing, their lines, or their moves, to name a few examples).  In so doing, you are jacking that person’s swag, and thus exp0sing yourself as a swag-jacker.

Mind you, not all imitation is swag-jacking.  Sometimes, an act or action by someone (usually famous, but not always — after all this is the age of youtube) becomes so popular that the performing of it is more of a tribute than an actual attempt at jacking the swag of the creator.  A good example of non-swag-jacking imitation is the John Wall Dance Phenomenon. This is just an example of big love shown for Mr. Wall.  No swag-jacking intended.

Thanks to Quent for keeping me up to date.