Swag vs. Schwag — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 7, 2024
Swag refers to stylish confidence or promotional items given away, while schwag often denotes low-quality cannabis or promotional items.
Difference Between Swag and Schwag
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Swag, in contemporary usage, often signifies a sense of style, confidence, or coolness that someone carries. On the other hand, schwag has a dual connotation; it is commonly used in the cannabis community to describe low-quality, poorly grown, or low-potency marijuana.
Swag, when referring to promotional items, is intended to create a positive impression of a brand or event, often being of reasonably good quality to serve this purpose. These items are used as a marketing strategy to increase brand awareness and loyalty. Schwag, in the context of cannabis, implies a product that is undesirable due to its low quality, often resulting in a harsher smoke and less pleasant experience. When schwag refers to promotional items, it might imply a lower quality or less desirable item compared to those considered swag.
The etymology of swag is varied, with historical uses ranging from stolen goods to an abbreviation for "Scientific Wild-Ass Guess," but its modern usage in terms of style and promotional items is more relevant today. Schwag's origins are less clear but are believed to derive from slang within the cannabis culture, emphasizing the quality aspect of the product.
The perception of swag in popular culture is generally positive, associating it with trendiness and desirability, whether referring to an individual's demeanor or the quality of free merchandise. Conversely, schwag, particularly in reference to cannabis, carries a negative connotation, underscoring the importance of quality in both products and promotional items.
Understanding the difference between swag and schwag is essential for proper usage, especially in contexts where quality and perception are significant. While swag aims to elevate a brand or individual's image, schwag, especially when referring to cannabis, denotes something to be avoided due to its inferior quality.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Stylish confidence or quality promotional items
Low-quality cannabis or lower quality promotional items
Connotation
Positive, desirable
Negative, undesirable
Context
Fashion, marketing
Cannabis culture, marketing (less common)
Focus
Style, branding quality
Quality (lack thereof)
Perception
Trendy, cool
Inferior, undesirable
Compare with Definitions
Swag
Promotional Items.
We received some cool swag at the tech conference.
Schwag
Less Desirable Merchandise.
The company's schwag did not impress the attendees.
Swag
Fashionable Attitude.
Her swag made her stand out at the event.
Schwag
Poorly Grown Marijuana.
He avoided buying schwag because of its harsh smoke.
Swag
Stylish Confidence.
He walked into the room with an undeniable swag.
Schwag
Low-Quality Cannabis.
Only schwag was available at the party, disappointing many.
Swag
Brand Merchandise.
The company's swag included custom-designed sneakers.
Schwag
Inferior Promotional Items.
The festival's schwag was uninspiring and cheap.
Swag
Marketing Freebies.
The swag bag from the event was filled with high-quality items.
Schwag
Low-End Giveaways.
The schwag given away at the event quickly found its way into the trash.
Swag
A curtain or piece of fabric fastened so as to hang in a drooping curve.
Schwag
Marijuana of inferior quality.
Swag
Money or goods taken by a thief or burglar
Garden machinery is the most popular swag
Schwag
A substance that looks like marijuana, such as tea or oregano, sold to an unsuspecting customer. In both senses also called swag.
Swag
Bold self-assurance of style or manner
Adam had swag—he moved like a man who had the world at his feet
She's proved she's got swag with this sporty two-piece
Schwag
(slang) Low-grade or commercial-grade marijuana.
Swag
A traveller's or miner's bundle of personal belongings.
Schwag
(slang) swag.
Swag
Arrange in or decorate with a swag or swags of fabric
Swag the fabric gracefully over the curtain tie-backs
Schwag
Inferior; low-grade
Swag
Travel with one's personal belongings in a bundle
We were swagging it in Queensland
Swagging my way up to the Northern Territory
Swag
Hang heavily
The crinkly old hide swags here and there
Swag
An ornamental drapery or curtain draped in a curve between two points.
Swag
An ornamental festoon of flowers or fruit.
Swag
A carving or plaster molding of such an ornament.
Swag
Promotional items, especially when given for free, considered as a group.
Swag
(Slang) Stolen property; loot.
Swag
(Australian) The pack or bundle containing the personal belongings of a swagman.
Swag
(Slang) See schwag.
Swag
Chiefly British To lurch or sway.
Swag
(Australian) To travel about with a pack or swag.
Swag
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) sway.
Swag
(intransitive) To droop; to sag.
Swag
(transitive) To decorate (something) with loops of draped fabric.
Swag
(transitive) To install (a ceiling fan or light fixture) by means of a long cord running from the ceiling to an outlet, and suspended by hooks or similar.
Swag
To travel on foot carrying a swag (possessions tied in a blanket).
Swag
To transport stolen goods.
Swag
(window coverings) A loop of draped fabric.
Swag
A low point or depression in land; especially, a place where water collects.
Swag
(slang) Style; fashionable appearance or manner.
Swag
A shop and its goods; any quantity of goods.
Swag
Stolen goods; the booty of a burglar or thief; boodle.
Swag
Handouts, freebies, or giveaways, often distributed at conventions; merchandise.
Swag
The possessions of a bushman or itinerant worker, tied up in a blanket and carried over the shoulder, sometimes attached to a stick.
Swag
A small single-person tent, usually foldable into an integral backpack.
Swag
A large quantity (of something).
Swag
To hang or move, as something loose and heavy; to sway; to swing.
Swag
To sink down by its weight; to sag.
I swag as a fat person's belly swaggeth as he goeth.
Swag
To tramp carrying a swag.
Swag
A swaying, irregular motion.
Swag
A burglar's or thief's booty; boodle.
Swag
A tramping bushman's luggage, rolled up either in canvas or in a blanket so as to form a long bundle, and carried on the back or over the shoulder; - called also a bluey, or a drum.
He tramped for years till the swag he bore seemed part of himself.
Swag
Valuable goods
Swag
Goods or money obtained illegally
Swag
A bundle containing the personal belongings of a swagman
Swag
Droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
Swag
Walk as if unable to control one's movements;
The drunken man staggered into the room
Swag
Sway heavily or unsteadily
Common Curiosities
Is it common for businesses to distribute schwag?
Businesses aim to distribute swag, not schwag, as the goal is to positively promote the brand.
What distinguishes swag from schwag in marketing?
Swag refers to high-quality promotional items, while schwag may refer to less desirable or lower quality giveaways.
Can schwag be used positively?
Rarely; it's mostly used negatively, especially regarding low-quality cannabis.
How does swag influence brand perception?
Quality swag can enhance brand image and loyalty by associating the brand with desirable and useful items.
Why is schwag considered undesirable in the cannabis community?
It denotes low-quality cannabis, which is less potent and more unpleasant to consume.
Is schwag always related to cannabis?
Primarily, but it can also refer to low-quality promotional items.
Does schwag have any redeeming qualities?
In marketing, even lower quality items can have some utility, though it's less likely to positively impact brand image.
Can the same item be considered swag and schwag by different people?
Yes, perceptions of quality can vary, making an item swag to some and schwag to others.
Can swag be a decisive factor in event attendance?
Yes, high-quality swag can attract attendees looking for value and engagement.
What impact does giving away schwag have on an event?
It might reflect poorly on the event, suggesting a lack of investment in quality.
What strategies can enhance the perceived value of swag?
Customization, utility, and quality of items can make swag more appealing.
How has the meaning of swag evolved?
It has evolved from referring to stolen goods or loot to stylish confidence or promotional items.
How do companies choose swag items?
Companies select items that reflect their brand values and appeal to their target audience.
How do individuals showcase their swag?
Through their confidence, style, and by using or wearing promotional items that reflect their tastes and interests.
How do perceptions of swag and schwag differ across industries?
Industries focused on quality and branding prefer swag, while schwag is generally avoided.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Chemist vs. Pharmacist
Next Comparison
Discrimination vs. MarginalizationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
