Sense file
How the sense moved
The archive follows the dated record first, then reads the social or rhetorical pressure that hardened, softened, narrowed, or reversed the word.
Older meaning
Rabble, low class people, or a low, tricky, dishonest person.
Modern meaning
A mischievous rogue, often said lightly or with affection.
Research lens
A low-status insult becomes theatrical misbehavior, which makes the old contempt harder to hear without slowing down.
Meaning trail
Older sense
rabble or low dishonest person
The early word is steeped in contempt for low status.
Bridge
scoundrel or rogue
Class insult narrows into character insult.
Now
light rogue or mischief-maker
Modern tone often theatricalizes the blame.