What Does “Going Rogue” Mean? An In-Depth Look

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Learn this phrase’s full backstory (& how to put it to good use)
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You may have heard someone say they’re “going rogue” or use the phrase to describe another person’s actions—but what does it mean? We have the answer. “Going rogue” is a phrase that refers to unconventional behavior—such as ignoring rules or defying expectations. It can also refer to erratic or dangerous behavior or someone who switches their allegiances. In this article, we’ll cover all the different definitions and uses of this colorful phrase, plus explore its origins!

Going Rogue: Quick Definition

“Going rogue” means to disregard the rules and behave in an independent, unauthorized way. It can also refer to acting recklessly, uncontrollably, or dangerously. Finally, it can mean switching allegiances or loyalties.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “Going rogue” mean?

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    Nowadays, when someone says “going rogue,” they’re typically referring to someone who’s choosing to go against the grain, assert their independence, or defy the rules currently in place. A person who “goes rogue” defies the expectations of others to pursue their own plans or ideals. [1]
    • “My family made plans this weekend, but I’m going rogue and doing my own thing instead.”
    • “In the third Captain America movie, Cap went rogue despite the government’s orders.”
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    “Going rogue” isn’t always a strictly negative phrase. However, it’s negative more often than not when used in the context of someone acting destructively or savagely, and being impossible to control. Sometimes, a person (or creature) that’s “going rogue” is at risk of hurting themselves or something else. [2]
    • “A polar bear is going rogue! It escaped the zoo and it’s roaming the streets.”
    • “A secret agent went rogue and put their fellow agents in danger.”
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    The third potential meaning of “going rogue” describes someone who leaves the “side” they’re on (which could be a political party, country, organization, employer, club, or something similar) and joins a different or opposing side instead. It can describe a change of heart, allegiance, or loyalty. [3]
    • “He went rogue and turned from a Republican into an Independent.”
    • “Anakin Skywalker went rogue, leaving the Jedi to become a Sith.”
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Section 2 of 4:

“Going Rogue” Origins & History

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    Around 1835, “rogue” referred to elephants that acted out and even behaved violently—usually because they were injured or separated from their herd. That’s why the phrase's original meaning was strictly about erratic, dangerous behavior (and was mainly negative). For example: [4]
    • “‘Itu gajah dya jehat! (That elephant’s going rogue)’ remarked the head axeman, shaking his head.” —Boys’ Life, January 1924
    • “‘When an elephant goes rogue he never reforms,’ said the circus man.” —Springfield Republican, June 22, 1928
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    Since the 1800s and early 1900s, the meaning of “going rogue” has expanded to include unconventional behavior (which is the more common usage) or switching affiliations. It’s also sometimes used to reference the Republican Party—which, coincidentally, is symbolized by an elephant. [5]
    • For example, Republican former governor of Alaska Sarah Palin’s memoir is titled Going Rogue: An American Life .
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Going Rogue”

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    When a person you know (or have heard of) goes rogue—either by defying expectations, switching allegiances, or behaving erratically—you can use the phrase to tell someone else about it. You can use this in a positive or negative sense, depending on your outlook on the situation. [6]
    • “Did you hear? Mac totally went rogue on the project and ignored his boss’s instructions.”
    • “This novel is all about a Special Forces agent who goes rogue on the job and has to deal with the consequences. It’s so exciting!”
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    If you’re thinking about doing something a little unconventional or changing your affiliations somehow, you can use “going rogue” to tell someone about it. Alternatively, you could ask for their thoughts if you’re unsure about what to do. For example:
    • “One time, I was told to clean the kitchen, but I went rogue and snuck out to the arcade instead. And yes, I got in trouble after!”
    • “Do you think it’d be cool if I go a little rogue and order a hotdog for breakfast?”
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    If a friend or loved one went off-script in some way or did something a little daring and unexpected (but ultimately harmless), you can jokingly call them a rogue or tell them they went rogue. In this context, “Going rogue” is more positive or lighthearted since you’re not using it to describe anything dangerous or sinister.
    • Them : “Everyone’s expecting me to get a promotion, but I’m thinking of quitting and going back to school for something totally different.”
    • You : “Going rogue, huh? Honestly, I think it’s worth following your passions—so good luck!”
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Section 4 of 4:

Related Phrases

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    Since “going rogue” means everything from doing something unorthodox to changing your allegiance or acting erratically, there are plenty of other ways to describe the same actions (or something similar). Phrases related to “going rogue” include: [7]
    • Going wild
    • Running amok
    • Bucking the system
    • Breaking the rules
    • Going against the grain
    • Challenging the status quo
    • Rebelling
    • Deviating
    • Defying

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/rogue
      2. ↑ https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/go+rogue
      3. ↑ https://politicaldictionary.com/words/going-rogue/
      4. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/rogue_n?tl=true
      5. ↑ https://politicaldictionary.com/words/going-rogue/
      6. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/rogue_n?tl=true
      7. ↑ https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/challenge+the+status+quo

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