wroguish

Wroguish is a contemporary English adjective used to describe a person or character who combines rogue-like charm with deliberate wrongdoing. The term appears to be a recent neologism formed by blending rogue with notions of transgression or malfeasance, often carrying a playful or ironic nuance. It is primarily found in informal writing, reviews, and online discourse rather than in formal dictionaries.

In usage, wroguish characterizations emphasize both allure and harm. A wroguish antihero might flout rules while maintaining a code of self-interest, whereas a wroguish smile implies mischief paired with a risk of trouble. The word differs from roguelike or roguish in intensity; roguish denotes charming mischief, while wroguish foregrounds wrongful actions or morally dubious intent alongside charm.

Form and notes: Adverb wroguishly; noun wroguishness. Related terms include roguish, rogue-like, and unscrupulous. Because it is informal and relatively new, editors may question its suitability in formal prose. When used, it should clarify that the speaker intends to describe morally questionable behavior rather than mere playfulness. Example: The wroguish detective manipulated the truth to catch the real criminal.