Rogue Elephant
/ˌrəʊɡ ˈɛlɪfənt/noun
An elephant that has separated from its herd and behaves aggressively or unpredictably; figuratively, an uncontrolled person or organization.
Did you know?The phrase later became political shorthand for an uncontrolled agent, especially in Cold War-era language about intelligence officers or nuclear threats acting without authorization.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
English
rogue
“A vagrant, beggar, or dishonest person; the word’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
14th Century
Old French
olifant
“Elephant; also used in medieval romance for an ivory horn.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
elephantus
“Elephant, borrowed from Greek.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐλέφας (eléphas)
“Elephant, and sometimes ivory.”
19th Century
English
rogue elephant
“An elephant separated from its herd and considered dangerous or uncontrollable.”
20th Century
English
rogue elephant
“A person, group, or institution acting independently and unpredictably.”
Explore more surprising origins