Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rebelde | /reˈbelde/ | feminine, masculine |
| independiente | /indepenˈdjente/ |
The term maverick refers to someone who is unconventional or does not abide by rules. In Spanish, rebelde functions as both a noun, meaning a rebel and an adjective, meaning rebellious. Related terms include independiente for someone showing independence in thoughts or actions, and disidente for a person showing similar traits. If you are referring specifically to unbranded cattle, the term orejano is used.
Which one should you use?
While rebelde implies someone who actively defies authority or rules, independiente is a more neutral term for someone who simply acts on their own without following a group. Additionally, disidente is more politically charged than rebelde, as it is often used for someone who breaks away from a specific political party or established ideology.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rebelde becomes rebeldes in its plural form. The term inconformista becomes inconformistas in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈbelde/
Did you know?
- The word rebelde is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'rebel', but it shares a deeper Latin root with 'rebellis', which literally means 'to wage war again'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the term rebelde is often used in songs and literature to romanticize a person's refusal to conform, rather than just labeling them as a troublemaker.
- Spanish speakers might use the phrase ir a contracorriente meaning 'to go against the current' to describe the actions of a rebelde or independiente.
Examples in context
- Él es un inconformista que siempre se atreve a desafiar las reglas establecidas.He is a maverick who always dares to challenge established rules.
- Pedro es un rebelde que siempre marcha al son de su propia música.Pedro is a maverick who always dances to the beat of his own drum.
- Él siempre fue un rebelde en la escuela.He was always a maverick at school.
- Ella es una rebelde que no sigue las normas.She is a maverick who does not follow the rules.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a new coworker's style.
- LucíaEl nuevo jefe es un rebelde.The new boss is a maverick.
- DanielSí, no sigue ninguna regla.Yes, he doesn't follow any rules.
- LucíaMe gusta su forma de pensar.I like his way of thinking.
- DanielYo también, es muy original.Me too, he is very original.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maverick” translations and entries rebelde, independiente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
