What does strutting mean?
Strutting means walking in a way that displays pride and confidence, usually with an exaggerated or theatrical bearing. Someone who struts takes deliberate, showy steps and presents themselves as if receiving attention, as in a fashion model walking down a runway or a victorious athlete entering a stadium. The word can also be used figuratively for ostentatious behavior: a corporation might “strut its success” through advertising, while a person might “strut around” after receiving praise. Although the basic sense is not necessarily critical, strutting often carries a mildly mocking or disapproving implication. It suggests that confidence has become conspicuous, self-important, or performative rather than calm and restrained. The related noun “strut” names the proud walk itself, and “strutted” is its simple past tense.
verb (present participle and gerund)To walk with a proud, confident, often theatrical stride. Figuratively, it means to behave with conspicuous self-satisfaction or bravado.
- To walk in a proud, self-confident, or theatrical manner.
- To behave with conspicuous pride, vanity, or bravado.
"She strutted down the runway as the crowd applauded."
"The winner strutted onto the stage with his trophy."
"The company was strutting its success after the merger."
To strut is to make confidence a performance: every step becomes part of the show.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strutting come from?
The word descends from Middle English forms meaning to stride or walk proudly. Its immediate source is generally traced to Old French estrot, meaning “straw,” although the precise development of the modern meaning is not entirely clear. The figurative sense of behaving ostentatiously developed from the physical image of a proud, swaggering walk.
Related word forms
How strutting is actually used
The expression is mildly disparaging when used figuratively, suggesting that someone's confidence is conspicuous, self-important, or performed for an audience.