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Street

swag (money)

What does swag (money) mean?

Beyond stolen goods generally, 'swag' can specifically denote the cash and valuables taken in a robbery.

"The swag from the payroll job barely covered their debts."

Origin

British thieves' cant, 1790s.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'swag' mean in crime slang?
It means the loot or plunder from a crime, including the cash and valuables taken in a robbery.
Where does 'swag' come from?
It's British thieves' cant from the 1790s.
Is criminal 'swag' the same as modern 'swag'?
No. The criminal sense means stolen goods, while modern casual 'swag' means style or free promotional merchandise.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.