Which is it: swag or schwag?

Question

swag: Technically, swag is the older of the two words. KnowYourMeme.com confirms the official debut date as 2001, but says the word could date back to the sixteenth century. By definition, the word means to boast great style, and startups are doing nothing if not trying to be hip and stylish when they give stuff away. This sounds like the winner. Oh wait: did I mention that the word came from the sixteenth century? So if it sounds to you a little dated, no one would get in your face about it. Except Shakespeare. If you use this word, you might go home with all of your goodie bags. schwag: The dictionary defines this word as products given away for free, typically for promotional purposes. Open and shut case. But not so fast. The Urban Dictionary defines schwag as low quality marijuana, and offers example sentences like, "Ewww this schwag a** weed tastes horrible and it didnt get me very high." So if you use this word, you run the risk of branding your startup as a bunch of broke stoners. Classy. Final result: 51% swag (410 votes), 49% schwag (405 votes).

Kristin Clark · Accepted Answer

swag: I'm a traditionalist - definitely #swag

Josh Schaub · Answer

swag: I voted for Swag because that's just how it is.

Steven Fuller · Answer

schwag: Swag is something you either have or you don't. It cannot be given to you. It is game, machismo, sexiness, money, chill...I think you get it. SCHWAG is stuff you get at an event.

Partners4Tech · Answer

swag: It's #SWAG. Originally an accounting acronym used to denote sundries, wearables and giveaways. #triviaed

Brittain · Answer

swag: Cause it's right.

Which is it: swag or schwag?

51%

swag WINNER

49%

schwag

51%

swag

49%

schwag

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Which is it: swag or schwag?

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51%

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schwag