estilo
/esˈtilo/
The English word "swagger" can be translated into Spanish as estilo.
estilo is used to describe a bold or arrogant strut. Related verbs include pavonear, which means to act in a pompous manner and fanfarronear, which means to boast or brag noisily.
Meaning: bold or arrogant strut (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word desenvoltura refers to the ease or grace with which someone carries themselves and carries a formal connotation. The word chulería refers to an attitude of self-assuredness or cockiness and is an informal way to express swagger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, facha is a popular slang term used to describe a person's style, confidence or swagger.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtilo/
Did you know?
- While estilo describes the look, the verb pavonear comes from the word for peacock, pavo, reflecting the bird's habit of displaying its feathers.
- Depending on the region, the word chulo can flip from meaning 'cute' to meaning 'cocky' or even 'pimp'.
- The word estilo shares its origin with the English word 'stylus', referring to the ancient tool used for writing on wax tablets.
Examples in context
- Ese chico tiene mucha chulería, siempre presume de su look.That guy has a lot of swagger, always showing off his look.
- Ella tiene mucho estilo, siempre sabe cómo lucir cool.She has a lot of swagger, always knows how to look cool.
- ¡Qué facha tiene ese chico! Siempre anda vestido a la última.That guy has such swagger! He's always dressed in the latest fashion.
- Tiene un estilo muy arrogante al caminar.He has a very arrogant style when he walks.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching a man enter a party.
- AlejandroMira cómo camina, tiene mucho estilo.Look at how he walks, he has a lot of swagger.
- SofíaSí, parece que se cree el dueño del lugar.Yes, he looks like he thinks he owns the place.
- AlejandroEs un estilo demasiado presumido para mí.It is too boastful a swagger for me.
- SofíaTienes razón, Alejandro, es un poco exagerado.You are right, Alejandro, it is a bit exaggerated.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry estilo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estilo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
