What is the meaning and origins of "going rogue"?

32 Answers

Hi! The phrase "going rogue" is a phrase with a strange origin.


The word "rogue"...

The word "rogue" originated as a way to describe an Elephant that has become violent and dangerous. So the phrase "going rogue" means someone is going against the grain or against the established order that everyone else follows.


An example includes...

"She's moving across the country and going rogue!"

"They've stopped talking to their family, they're going rogue."

To summarize

To "go rogue" simply means to do something different than what society expects.

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What is going rogue, and when did we start using the expression?

The earliest known citations for going rogue all dealt with elephants—appropriately enough for an expression that is now frequently used in reference to the Republican Party (often symbolized by an elephant).


Rogue, by itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent (either from being separated from their herd, or because they have been injured) since at least 1835. When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of ‘behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion.’

The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script. And it need not be applied only to elephants (either real or symbolic ones).

Used in a sentence :

When the commander stopped paying their soldiers, a lot of them went rogue.



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Aaliyah 🦄 IELTS Exam Mentor💫
2022/08/05

The term "going rogue" has its origins in elephant behavior. The male elephants would separate themselves from the herd after fighting the bull and exhibit erratic behavior. The term has been around since 1835 and the first recorded instance of it in writing was in the 1900s.


So, what exactly does "going rogue" mean?

"Going rogue" originally meant to act in an erratic and hazardous manner. It has since evolved to mean that one acts in an unconvetional way, chooses not to follow common rules or make predictable decisions.


Example;

"Beyonce retired from music to purse a career in stripping. She's really going rogue!"




Conclusion

The term "rogue" is derived from the French of similar spelling, literally meaning "erratic".

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going rogue

What does it mean when someone goes rogue?

When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of 'behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion. ' The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.

The negative connotation of rogue


The negative connotation of rogue is the first one, but the second one is a playful or naughty reference ("She laughingly exclaimed 'Oh, you rogue!' ").

Anders had been sent to Amazon to monitor the program's progress under the formidable Dr Annick (who may have gone rogue and is no longer returning the company's calls


behaving in ways that are not expected or not normal, often in a way that causes damage:


a rogue state. (a nation or state regarded as breaking international law and posing a threat to the security of other nations.)

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"Going rogue" Meaning and origin


Meaning & Origin

  • 'Behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion. '
    Origin: Going rogue was first used in 1835 for elephants🐘 becoming violent🐾!

  • Now commonly used to indicate someone is not following expectations or displaying some degree of independence!🚀

  • It can have a good or bad connotation, depending on the context.

  • To “go rogue” can refer to people or animals, it can mean the person or animal shows erratic or dangerous behavior. 🚫



Examples:

  • The kids decided to go rogue, they have painted all over the room!

  • The salesman went rogue, he sold even more cars but the boss is not happy!

  • Agent X has gone rogue, we don't know where he is or what he is planning next.

  • When an elephant goes rogue, he never reforms


To conclude

  1. Originates from elephants behaving badly. Now is commonly used to describe a person/animal that is not following protocol or rules.

  2. It’s a way of saying how people go against the rules by disobeying your instructions.

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answer

From elephants to politicians!

Behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion

Rogue, the word itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent since around 1835.


Since the former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, whose 2009 memoir was titled <Going Rogue: An American Life>, the phrase has become considerably more common.


The expression 'go rogue' means that someone is going against the established order that everyone else follows and agrees.


Examples Usage

  • I went rogue, all by myself.

  • Dumb robots going rogue, or a network taht develops a mind of its own threatens us all.

  • The agent decided to go rogue and went dark three hours ago.

Usage Today

The expression is now more likely to be used to say someone is expressing degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script or plans. (not only applied to elephants:))

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You will often hear people using the term "going rogue," but what does it mean and how can you use this phrase in your own sentences?📚


Definition of "going rogue" 📗

When somebody is "going rogue" it means that they are behaving very unpredictable and wild, following their own rules and maybe even doing things that are considered to be dangerous.🦁


Origin of the word "rogue" 🌏


The word "rogue" comes from the Middle French word "rogue" and the Old French word "rogre," which means exhilarated or aggressive.


Examples 💬


The zookeeper said: "I need some help over here, the monkeys are going rogue because we're out of bananas."


"The highschool children are tired of following the rules, they decided to go rogue."


How do I use "going rogue" in my own sentences? 🔥


You can use the term "going rogue" in any context that is meant to show that somebody or something is acting unpredictable and wild. Just don't "go rogue" with it. 😂

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When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of 'behaving erratically or dangerously. ' The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.


When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of ‘behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion.’


The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.

More

Meaning "Going Rogue"


One meaning can be - the behavior of someone that is not normally how they are expected to behave and it could be dangerous.


Synonyms for rogue - reprobate, miscreant, scamp, rascal.


Use in a sentence - When the army stopped paying the soldiers, many of them went rogue.

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I am going rogue!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Going rogue means to stop following orders and decide to do things your own way. It could mean doing something a bit dangerous and outside your normal group. Some poeple say it originates from the 1920s from elephants if they "went rogue" and turned violent,


EXAMPLE

The prime minsister has gone rogue with his crazy new policies!

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What does "going rogue" mean?


Going rogue means to behave in a dangerous (even violent) and/or erratic way.



Examples:


The elephant at the circus is going rogue! He was always peaceful but now he has all of the sudden become violent with his caretaker.


Here is an example of robots going rogue in the movie WALL-E:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHwIFGi3WPU

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Going Rogue


Rogue, a word that has been used to refer to any one of a number of types of human scoundrels since the 15th century, has been having a greatly increased amount of use in recent years. This is not because of any renewed interest in finding a good synonym for ne’er-do-well or rapscallion, but rather because the phrase going rogue—exhibiting maverick-like behavior, or bucking the status quo—has been given new life as a political byword. The phrase has seen one of its shades of meaning become considerably more common, thanks in large part to associations with the former governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, whose 2009 memoir was titled Going Rogue: An American Life.



“When an elephant goes rogue he never reforms,” said the circus man. (Springfield Republican, June 22, 1928)


The earliest known citations for going rogue all dealt with elephants—appropriately enough for an expression that is now frequently used in reference to the Republican Party (often symbolized by an elephant).

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What is the meaning and origins of "going rogue"


Going rogue


Going rogue has been modernized into an expression which basically means; "doing your own thing", or "rough and ready" , or even; "following your own path" , or "off the beaten trail". The phrase originated from a wild elephant's path, the fact that is has "gone wild". Throughout time this expression evolved (as does all English), into what it is referring to today.

English is a language constantly evolving, you only have to watch any mainstream media to see just how quickly and in what forms this evolution is taking place.

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when going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion

the expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.

More

There are two ways this question can be answered

First:

There is the dictionary meaning which means "to act wildly and unpredictably, especially by disregarding rules or the usual way of doing things."

Second:

This one is the context in which it is used in everyday situations, and it would means "to act independently from someone or something" or "to be rebellious"


Examples include:

Special Forces unit had gone rogue and was trying to free the hostage.

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How "going rogue" isn't completely bad sometimes


Rogue, is used to referring when elephants get violent and their behavior is out of hand.


However, the expression nowadays is used to indicate individuals who cease to follow orders, show disapproval or act in their own interest. It can have good or bad connotations, depending on the context.

e.g

When people go rogue, the nation's rulers are bound to think of changing them - The Wire, Badri Raina


Another common way to phrase the word is to describe someone who breaks free from boundaries or tradition.

e.g.

You can go rogue right where you are today. By becoming digitally skilled, well-informed, and connected in meaningful ways to others, you will develop a rogue mindset ­­– confident of your ability to survive and thrive inside an organization as well as outside. - Is Going Rogue The New Normal, Jane McConnel



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Going rogue means to separate yourself from the group while acting in an unusual or not normally expected way. Rogue, by itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent, either from being separated from their herd, or because they have been injured. That is where the phrase originated from.

Going Rogue, going on your own. A good example of this is from Rogue One, Star Wars movie when Jyn's father is forcibly taken by the Galactic Empire to help them complete the Death Star. When she grows up, she joins a group of resistance fighters who aim to steal the Empire's blueprints. She is a good example of going rogue.




Going against the grain, going rogue

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Going rogue, is a dangerous behavior. It is disregarding rules. Not following set guidelines or instructions. It is being disruptive and corrupt. People who are rogue are sometimes regarded as being naughty

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You are going rogue!


not authorized :)

This is an expression that mean to begin to behave in an independent or uncontrolled way that is not authorized, normal, or expected


He went rogue and decided to perch on two unsuspecting fans.

she has gone rogue and is no longer returning the company's calls.

Whenever an employee goes rogue, you can fire him.


The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.

More

GOING ROGUE


GOING ROGUE

To go crazy in the way of being a bad person. One that can steal, cheat, cause harm to others.


GOING ROGUE

Behaviour that is not acceptable to society. Being a very bad person.

GOING ROGUE

When they told her she has to pay alot of money, she went rogue.

The boy went rogue because he was not able to pay for it.

She left her cheating boyfriend when he decided to go rogue in her hometown.

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Meaning of "Going rogue" behave erratically or dangerously, especially by disregarding the rules or the usual way of doing something.

"leaders going rogue at press conferences can mean you have a serious problem"
Origin: Rogue, by itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent (either from being separated from their herd, or because they have been injured) since at least 1835. When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of 'behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion. '

What does rogue mean in politics?

n. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a state that conducts its policy in a dangerously unpredictable way, disregarding international law or diplomacy.



go rogue. informal. to start behaving in a way that is not normal or expected, especially by leaving your group and doing something dangerous: A Special Forces unit had gone rogue and was trying to free the hostage.


When going rogue was first used it had a fairly specific meaning of 'behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion. ' The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script.

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The meaning and origin of "going rogue"


Origin

When an elephant gets separated from his/her herd it will behave erratic and dangerously in order to find the herd again



Examples

The baby elephant got separated from it's mother and started to behave in a nervous way , acting in a strange way , lose control & it's sense of direction .


The FBI Agent's family were killed by a gang , he went rogue , he behaved dangerously & erratic - he wanted revenge so he didn't focus or care how & what he did

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The phrases originated from a political opinion about the republican party, symbolized by an elephant, the earliest uses of the phrase is also in reference to elephants, hence the use of the phrase in politics. The word rouge in the context of elephants dates all the way back to 1835, and refers to an elephant that has become violent from separation from their herd or injury.


So when we use the expression nowadays it refers to a person or group who is acting in a dangerous, erratic, or irrational manner, not wanting to follow others and go off on their own.





Irrational, erratic, or dangerous behavior



"The elephant's gone rogue!" "He doesn't listen to us anymore, it's like he's gone rogue."


The phrase was used to refer to hostile elephants, but can of course be used today to refer to more than that

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Going Rogue means 'behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion' by disregarding the rules. An expression used from the 1900s, rogue alone is around since 1835 but originates from an elephant's behavior.

You can pronounce going as GOH+ING rogue as ROHG, a similar phrase is 'going solo' or away from the norm. The opposite: don't resist or submit, and the correct saying is 'Go Rogue.'

You can use the phrase “go rogue” to describe someone that walks away or breaks free from the control of other people.


Example: The salesman is going rogue because of the profits.


It’s a way of saying how people go against the rules by disobeying your instructions. Anyone can “go rogue,” from family members to friends or colleagues.


Remember if someone goes rogue, they refuse to do what you tell them, and they don’t listen to your instructions.

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Going rogue means to go off on your own plans away from the rules or other people.


Breaking it down

Rogue is an older English word meaning a bad person, and today it is primarily used with this phrase.


"After her boss did nothing, Lisa went rogue and confronted the coworker herself."


When to use it?

Going rogue is a common idiom, and is often used in casual conversation.

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rogue (adjective)
Definition of rogue

1: resembling or suggesting a rogue elephant especially in being isolated, aberrant, dangerous, or uncontrollable

capsized by a rogue wave

2: CORRUPT, DISHONEST

rogue cops

3: of or being a nation whose leaders defy international law or norms of international behavior

rogue states

go rogue

: to begin to behave in an independent or uncontrolled way that is not authorized, normal, or expected

Before the Clemson Tigers played Notre Dame in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Clark [a bald eagle] was supposed to fly around the stadium, high above people's heads. But instead, he went rogue and decided to perch on two unsuspecting fans.

— Nicole Gallucci

Anders had been sent to the Amazon to monitor the program's progress under the formidable Dr. Annick Swensen (who may have gone rogue and is no longer returning the company's calls).

— Yvonne Zipp

Whenever a member of a group goes rogue, you can be absolutely certain that other members of that group will pop up with the "bad apple" defense, as in, "Well, sure, there's a few bad apples in every bunch, but that's the exception."

— Christine Flowers

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The earliest known citations for going rogue all dealt with elephants—appropriately enough for an expression that is now frequently used in reference to the Republican Party (often symbolized by an elephant). “Itu gajah dya jehat! (That elephant’s going rogue)” remarked the head axeman, shaking his head. (Boys’ Life, January, 1924)

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  1. behave erratically or dangerously, especially by disregarding the rules or the usual way of doing something.


  1. "leaders going rogue at press conferences can mean you have a serious problem"



  1. "leaders going rogue at press conferences can mean you have a serious problem"


Rogue, by itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent (either from being separated from their herd, or because they have been injured) 

More

"going rogue" Meaning and Origin.

answer


"going rogue" Meaning.

"going rogue" means when a person/party goes against the advice, actions or instructions of other parties involved.


Example of "going rogue".

Joe: "James, I know we are equal partners running our mechanical business, but I had to start working after hours on my own premises at home to make extra money for my family."

Conclusion to "going rogue".

"going rogue" can have negative and positive effects but never for both parties.

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"Going rogue"

Where does this phrase come from?
Going rogue started with elephants behavior. Wow! who would've thought that this phrase started with this majestic animal.


"Rogue", by itself, was used when an elephant has become violent, either from being injured or being separated from the herd. When "going rogue" was first used the specific meaning was ‘behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion.’


However, this phrase is not being used for elephants anymore, it is more likely to display of someone independence or failing to follow an expected script.


What is the meaning behind this phrase?

According to the dictionary "rogue" comes from Middle French which means “arrogant, haughty".


"Going rogue" can have multiple meanings, but the most common is when someone or something is doing or saying out of the ordinary or against the rules.

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Meaning of "Going Rogue"


Simply it means to break the norms or rules or become the black sheep, refuse to follow others, trends, etc. So, this expression means that someone is going against the established order that everyone else follows. The phrase implies that you turn your back on what other people are doing and do your own thing, regardless of what people think.


It can have a bad or good connotation, depending on the context of the conversation. So overall, it means exhibiting maverick-like behavior or bucking the status quo.


Examples


Samantha: "Hey, did you order the latest Kardashian makeup set?"

Maria: "Nope. I'm going rogue on the Kardashians."

-

Anna: "Have you seen Sarah lately? She cut her hair short and wear like boys? I don't know if we should still hang out with her."

Mana: "I guess she's going rogue."


History and Origin

The earliest known citations for going rogue all dealt with elephants.

Rogue is a word that has been used to refer to dishonest people since the 15th century and its usage in language has greatly increased in recent years. This is because the phrase "going rogue" has been given new life as a political byword. The phrase become considerably more common, mostly after Sarah Palin's 2009 memoir titled Going Rogue: An American Life.

More

Rogue by itself, has been used to refer to an elephant that has become violent (either from being separated from their herd, or because they have been injured) since at least 1835. When going roguewas first used it had a fairly specific meaning of ‘behaving in an erratic or dangerous fashion.’


The expression today is more likely to be used to indicate that someone is displaying some degree of independence or failing to follow an expected script. And it need not be applied only to elephants (either real or symbolic ones).


a word that has been used to refer to any one of a number of types of human scoundrels since the 15th century, has been having a greatly increased amount of use in recent years. This is not because of any renewed interest in finding a good synonym for ne’er-do-well or rapscallion, but rather because the phrase going rogue—exhibiting maverick-like behaviour, or bucking the status quo—has been given new life as a political byword.

Examples:


The Professor has gone completely rogue, he's using university resources to settle personal feud


When I was younger, I went rogue, I didn't care about any rules or laws for that matter, I only did what I pleased.

More