rogue

Everyday

1. A dishonest person who cheats or tricks people. tree →
2. (playful) A naughty but likeable person, often a child: «You little rogue!» tree →
3. (adjective) Behaving differently from the rest and causing trouble or danger, as in «a rogue wave», «a rogue elephant», «a rogue trader». tree →

In the lessons

In stories rogues are tricksters and villains; Toad is called a rogue and a ruffian when he steals the motor-car. In geography and the sea, a rogue wave is a sudden giant wave. In everyday talk grandparents call a cheeky child «a lovable rogue». Phrases: «rogue wave», «rogue trader», «go rogue» (stop following orders), «rogues' gallery».

Examples

• The rogue sold fake watches at the market. tree →
• Toad was called a rogue and a ruffian by the court. tree →
• «You little rogue, you've eaten my biscuit!» laughed Nan. tree →
• A rogue wave knocked the sailors off their feet. tree →
• The rogue elephant was dangerous to the villages. tree →
• In the game, one robot goes rogue. tree →
• He was a charming rogue who always owed money. tree →
• One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. tree →

Note

Say: ROHG; the -ue is silent. Plural: rogues. Adjective form for people: roguish (cheeky). Not «rouge» (red make-up).