strut around

USAGE SUMMARY

"strut around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is walking with confidence and purpose, or to draw attention to themselves, especially in a condescending or ostentatious way. For example: "She had a smug grin on her face as she strut around the room, as if she owned it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Design doesn't get out and strut around like fashion, and it needs more visibility.

The New York Times

He used to strut around dressed as a dandy on Canvey Island.

The Guardian - Music

I get to strut around, get to wear expensive suits, and I get to be onstage.

The New York Times

But all of these men can justifiably claim to have earned the right to strut around like peacocks.

The Guardian - Sport

He knew Khorkina long before she began to strut around on her flamingo legs with regal indifference.

The New York Times - Sports

Since they had a home with a terrace, they bought some peacocks to strut around on it - a beautiful cock, Aquila and a hen, Priscilia.

The New Yorker

I regularly see them in the grounds of Bath Spa University's Corsham Court, where they strut around as if they own the place.

The Guardian

They have just completed the initiation process, and for the next six months will strut around in their finery to celebrate it.

The Guardian - Travel

Successful franchises like Pittsburgh do not strut around and bleat about lack of respect in October, then lapse into histrionic finger-pointing, thumb sucking and opponent tripping during their first losing streak.

The New York Times

Because we spend so much time hiding them and trying to strut around like sick cunts.

Vice

Ever scared to just embrace that fitted dress or struggling to strut around in those sky-high heels?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strut around" to depict someone walking with excessive pride or self-importance, often to draw attention to themselves. For example, "He began to "strut around" the office after receiving the promotion."

Common error

Avoid using "strut around" to simply describe walking without any implication of arrogance or self-display. The phrase carries a connotation of pride or pomposity, so ensure it fits the context. For neutral movement, use verbs like "walk", "stroll", or "wander".

Linguistic Context

Strut around functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, modifying a subject by describing their manner of movement. As noted by Ludwig AI, it implies a confident or self-important way of walking or behaving. Examples show its use in depicting characters or individuals displaying pride or arrogance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strut around" is a phrasal verb used to describe someone walking or behaving with an air of confidence, pride, or even arrogance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly informal register. When using this phrase, be mindful of its connotation of self-importance to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Related phrases include "parade oneself" and "swagger about", which offer similar but slightly different nuances. Avoid using it for neutral descriptions of walking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strut proudly

Emphasizes the pride and confidence in one's gait.

strut one's stuff

Highlights displaying one's talents or abilities in a confident manner.

swagger about

Focuses on a boastful and self-important manner of walking.

parade oneself

Emphasizes showing off or displaying oneself prominently, often with vanity.

strut ostentatiously

Highlights the intention to impress others through a showy and pretentious manner.

strut pompously

Emphasizes an arrogant and self-important manner.

prance around

Suggests a lively, energetic, and often playful way of moving with exaggerated steps.

show off

Implies behaving in a way intended to attract attention or admiration.

flounce around

Suggests an exaggerated, attention-seeking movement, often indicating annoyance or displeasure.

act cocky

Focuses on the arrogant and overly confident behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "strut around" in a sentence?

"Strut around" is used to describe someone who walks with an exaggerated sense of pride or self-importance. For example, "After winning the competition, he began to "strut around" as if he were invincible."

What's a good alternative to "strut around"?

Alternatives to "strut around" include "parade oneself", "swagger about", or "strut one's stuff", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "strut around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "strut around" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral or precise language depending on the intended meaning.

What does it mean to "strut around" like a peacock?

To "strut around" like a peacock means to display oneself in a showy, ostentatious manner, similar to how a peacock displays its vibrant feathers to attract attention. It implies a sense of pride and self-admiration.