The Concise Oxford Dictionary (New Edition) defines rogue as a 'dishonest or unprincipled person' and Rogues' Gallery as 'a collection of photographs of known criminals'. The same dictionary also states that rogue is also used in a jocular manner referring to a 'mischievous child or waggish or arch person'.
So, the term 'rogue' refers to really unpleasant people or to childish pranksters.
The title of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's book is 'Going Rogue'.
Since the word 'rogue' in no way means contrarian, leader, or brave in the face of ruthless opposition, she appears to be, like so many other political hacks, corrupting the language in a way that George Orwell would recognize all too well.
More charitably perhaps, she and her editors are simply too lazy to have bothered to open a dictionary.
Either way, her rapid departure from the political scene would make the world a slightly better place.
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