Rogueishly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Behaving in an unprincipled or mischievous manner that suggests charm or playful deceit
2. characterized by a playful or adventurous spirit that defies conventions
3. displaying a boldness or unpredictability that can be both alluring and troublesome

Etymology: "Rogueishly" is a formation from "roguish" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly," and it follows a pattern that English has used for centuries. The adjective "roguish" itself was built on "rogue," a word whose own origins are obscure: it first appeared in English in the 16th century, and its exact source remains uncertain, so scholars have not settled on one clear ancestor for it. The adjective "roguish" took on its playful sense only gradually. Early uses of "rogue" were harsher, describing a vagrant or a dishonest person, and the lighter, almost affectionate tone of "roguish" grew out of that in later centuries. By the time "roguishly" appeared, the word described a mischief that was more charming than criminal. Note that "rogueishly" is an unusual spelling. The standard form is "roguishly," with the "e" dropped before the "-ly" ending as it is in "roguish." The spelling with the extra "e" appears to be a rare variant rather than an established alternative.

Synonyms: mischievously, disreputably

Antonyms: honorably