What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scallywag
Example
That scallywag stole my lunch again! [scallywag: noun]
Example
He's always up to some scallywag antics. [scallywag: adjective]
rogue
Example
He's a rogue trader who cheats his clients out of their money. [rogue: noun]
Example
She fell for his rogue charm and ended up regretting it. [rogue: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rogue is more commonly used than scallywag in everyday language. Rogue is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scallywag is less common and may be more regionally specific.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scallywag and rogue?
Neither scallywag nor rogue are formal words and are typically used in informal or colloquial settings. However, rogue may be more likely to be used in a more serious or professional context due to its negative connotation.