roguery
/'rougəri/ Cách viết khác : (roguishness) /'rougiʃnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. Reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance to others: Actions characterized by deceit, mischief, or playful malice. 2. (Archaic/Literary) The conduct or character of a rogue; mischievousness: Behavior typical of a dishonest or unprincipled person, often with a connotation of playful cunning.
Usage and Examples
- The children's constant roguery, like hiding their teacher's chalk, was more mischievous than malicious.
- The novel's charming villain was known more for his witty roguery than for true villainy.
- In the old tale, the fox's roguery allowed it to trick the other animals out of their food.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Connotation: The word often carries a tone of amused tolerance or even admiration for clever, if unscrupulous, mischief. It is less severe than "villainy" but more deliberate than simple "mischief."
- Literary/Historical Context: Frequently used in classic literature to describe the charmingly deceitful actions of a "rogue" character.
Variants and Related Words
- Rogue (n.): A dishonest or unprincipled man; a mischievous person.
- Roguish (adj.): Characteristic of a rogue; playfully mischievous.
- He gave a roguish grin before telling his tall tale.
- Roguishness (n.): The quality of being roguish; synonymous with roguery.
Synonyms
- Mischief: Playful misbehavior or troublemaking.
- Knavery: Dishonest or unscrupulous behavior.
- Shenanigans: Secret or dishonest activity, or mischievous trickery.
- Deviltry: Reckless mischief or wicked behavior.
- Waggery: Mischievous or playful humor.
Idioms and Phrases
- Full of roguery: Describing a person who is habitually mischievous or deceitful in a charming way.
- The old sailor, full of roguery, had a story for every occasion.
Noun
- reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others