Origin and Evolution

• Samuel Maverick’s Unique Practice: Samuel Maverick refused to brand his cattle, which was very unusual at the time. His unmarked cattle would often roam freely and mix with other herds, and ranchers started referring to any unbranded cattle as “Maverick’s.”
• Shift to Symbolism: Over time, “maverick” came to symbolize more than just unbranded cattle. It began to represent anyone or anything that defied norms, was independent, or didn’t “follow the herd.”
• Modern Usage: Today, calling someone a “maverick” means they are an independent thinker, often willing to go against convention.

Fun Fact

Samuel Maverick’s reluctance to brand his cattle was more about convenience than rebellion, but it ended up giving English a term that now embodies independence and defiance of the status quo.