Swag

“Swag”, The Ever-Evolving Word Have you ever returned to use a dictionary or other reference book only to realize that it is smaller, larger, or words are not on the same pages as they were once before? Relating ideas though the use of system called language allows the human race to communicate. Throughout history the human race has had an ever-evolving language. The word “swag” has been involved in this semantic change along with many other words throughout recorded time. Even though the word “swag” had past meanings that are not exactly the same today, it continues to be used in language being influenced by the generations, and it will continue to changed and or modified to the point of removal from the human language because words may not
This word had gone through many changes of meaning from the first known records of the use of it in language. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary this word has its origins perhaps traced back to Scandinavian in the year 1530 A.D. It has been known to be of similar character to the Norwegian word svagga, meaning to sway and or rock. Words have also gone through changes that have classified some as a noun or a verb. Swag as a noun has the meaning as a suspended wreath, garland, drapery, or the like, fastened up at or near each end and hanging down in the middle. Swag may also be used as a verb with the meaning of moving heavily or unsteadily from side to side or up and down; sway. During this period, it is evident that the evolution of the word had still managed to retain some of its original meaning, as to sway. Moving forward to between the years of 1790 to 1800, the use of the word swag had evolved to implore a new meaning, the noun version took on the meaning of plunder or booty, both of which implying money or
Besides the dictionary definition of the word new slang meanings start to appear, evolving the meaning and understanding to the current culture. Professor Anne Curzan had given a TED talk in which she had explained that language in continually evolving and that new slang is constantly being introduced into society. She continued to point out that new slang words are not in dictionaries yet because the writers of the dictionaries are playing catch-up with language. With the modification or slang use of words, the words begin to take on new meanings as even with the word “swag”. Multiple sources contain information on the definition or the current meaning of words, for example some internet sources specialize on the exact meaning of the word while some relate the more cultural slang definition. Dictionary.com still has the definition of the word “swag” meaning sway from side to side as a verb. This description is the same as past generations however generational change can be quick or very slow, just depends upon the current culture. As a noun “swag” has the meaning of a curtain or piece of fabric fastened so as to hang in a drooping curve, products given away free, typically for promotional purposes. These free products expand on the definition and bring about the cultural influence of the prior