rebellisch

Rebellisch is a German adjective meaning rebellious or defiant, indicating a tendency to resist authority, tradition, or established norms. It can describe a person, a mood, or a behavior, and it is used across political, social, and cultural contexts, as well as in literature and media.

Etymology: The adjective is derived from the noun Rebell (rebel), which in turn comes from Old French rebelle, itself rooted in Latin. In German, the suffix -isch forms adjectives indicating a quality, so rebellisch literally means "having the quality of a rebel." The word has been part of German since the early modern period.

Usage and nuance: Rebellisch is typically neutral to slightly pejorative, depending on tone. It can convey admiration for independence or criticism of obstinate defiance. Common collocations include rebellische Ideen (rebellious ideas), ein rebellischer Geist (a rebellious spirit), or rebellisch auftreten (to act rebelliously). When translating, English uses rebellious or defiant; in German you describe groups or attitudes: rebellische Jugend, rebellische Haltung. Synonyms include widerspenstig, aufsässig, ungehorsam; antonyms gehorsam, angepasst.