roguish
|ro-guish|
🇺🇸
/ˈroʊɡɪʃ/
🇬🇧
/ˈrəʊɡɪʃ/
like a rogue
Etymology
'roguish' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'rogue' plus the adjectival suffix '-ish'.
'roguish' developed in early modern English (early 17th century) from the noun 'rogue' (mid-16th century English). The noun 'rogue' originally meant a vagrant or scoundrel, and adding '-ish' produced the adjective 'roguish'.
Initially it meant 'like a rogue' (i.e., scoundrelly or vagrant-like); over time it came to include the sense 'playfully mischievous' while still retaining meanings related to dishonesty or unprincipled behavior.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
playfully mischievous or impish; showing a teasing, cheeky, or playful lack of seriousness.
He gave her a roguish grin and winked.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
dishonest, unprincipled, or characteristic of a rogue; morally questionable or unscrupulous.
The roguish trader was suspected of selling counterfeit goods.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/09 16:07