Pícaro (en. Rogue)

/ˈpi.ka.ɾo/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
A person who acts with cunning and malice, usually in a humorous context.
The rogue always seeks an ingenious way out of his problems.
El pícaro siempre busca una salida ingeniosa a sus problemas.
A typical character from the picaresque novel, living by tricks and deceptions.
The story follows the adventures of a rogue traveling around Spain.
La historia sigue las aventuras de un pícaro que recorre España.
Someone who behaves mischievously or dishonestly, but with a certain likability.
That boy is a rogue; he always finds a way to evade the rules.
Ese niño es un pícaro; siempre encuentra la manera de eludir las reglas.

Etymology

It comes from Old Spanish, related to 'picar', which implies cunning or mischief.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to be a rogue
Acting with cunning or mischief.
ser un pícaro
rogue's life
Life characterized by pranks and deception.
vida de pícaro
rogue humor
A type of humor that implies mischievous or malicious innuendos.
humor pícaro

Related Words

mischief
Cunning, mischievous, or malicious attitude.
picardía
rogue - (adj)
Having traits of mischief; mischievous.
pícaro - (adj)

Slang Meanings

To use ingenuity to get out of difficult situations.
He always manages things cleverly; he’s a true rogue at work.
Siempre se las ingenia, es un verdadero pícaro en el trabajo.
To have a suggestive or seductive attitude.
With that smile, you can't help but look like a rogue.
Con esa sonrisa, no puedes evitar parecer un pícaro.
To humorously deceive someone.
He played a trick on me at the meeting; he’s such a rascal.
Me hizo un pícaro al darme una broma en la reunión.