Green’s Dictionary of Slang

an arrogant, showy, vulgar person.

1843		E.R. Lancaster Manager’s Daughter in Oxberry Budget of Plays I (1844) 110/2: Pooh, you are a swankey!
1846		New Swell’s Night Guide to the Bowers of Venus 15: The order of these rooms must ensure a second call from the swell, swankey or yokel.
1877		‘Bonnie Mysie’ in Laughing Songster 125: The swankies owned she bore the bell.