roués

Roué (plural roués) is a noun and adjective borrowed from French, used in English to describe a man who lives a life of hedonistic and libertine pleasures, especially sexual dalliance and social excess. The term implies charm, wit, and social polish employed to indulge appetites, often accompanied by moral laxity or manipulation. In French, roué (masc.) or rouée (fem.) denotes a libertine; in English, roué is typically masculine and the feminine form is rarely used.

Origins and usage: The English usage dates to the 19th century, aligning with depictions of cosmopolitan aristocrats and salon culture in Europe. In literature and drama, roués are portrayed as alluring but ethically questionable figures who exert influence over others—sometimes caricatured as charming but morally suspect.

Historical context: The figure of the roué is closely linked with aristocratic leisure, urbanity, and the temptations of courtly or urban life, often serving as a counterpoint to virtue in moralistic narratives. They are commonly depicted alongside other “fallen” characters, such as libertines and rake heroes, and appear in Restoration comedies, Victorian novels, and modern satire.

Modern usage: Today, roué is relatively uncommon outside literary or critical contexts; when used, it conveys a dated or ironic tone. It remains a recognizable symbol of a certain type of masculine decadence.