The adjective “rascally” is often deployed to imbue characters and actions with a blend of mischievous charm and moral dubiousness. Authors use it to suggest an undercurrent of sly cunning or roguish behavior—whether referring to a cunning animal with a pilfered steak [1], a deceitful tradesman [2], or even a broadly untrustworthy figure whose actions disrupt societal order [3, 4]. Its versatility ranges from light-hearted satire to pointed censure, as seen when a priest’s overly affectionate advance is labeled with this term [5] or when a public-house keeper’s sly deed is condemned [6]. In each instance, “rascally” works to convey a subtle critique of unprincipled conduct while simultaneously adding a layer of playful irreverence to the narrative.