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mosey /ˈməʊzi/ - v. (inf.) walk or move in a leisurely manner | |
vamoose /vəˈmuːs/ - v. (inf.) depart hurriedly (from Spanish vamos ‘let us go’) | |
blowout /ˈbləʊaʊt/ - n. (inf.) a large or lavish meal or social gathering | |
skeevy /ˈskiːvi/ - adj. (n. am., inf.) unpleasant, squalid, or distasteful | |
macushla /məˈkʊʃlə/ - (irish.) an affectionate form of address (from Irish mo ‘my’ + cuisle ‘pulse’ (of the heart)) | |
give one the big eye - v. look at someone in flirtatious way | |
metanoia /ˌmɛtəˈnɔɪə/ - n. change in one's way of life resulting from penitence or spiritual conversion (f. Greek 'metanoein': ‘change one's mind’) | |
pabulum - food (from Latin) | |
disjoint /dɪsˈdʒɔɪnt/ - adj. (math.) (of two or more sets) having no elements in common | |
monies - n. plural form of "money", as used in financial contexts | |
bannister - n. the structure formed by the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase | |
jell /jel/ - v. (n.am) (of a project or idea) take a definite form or begin to work well | (of people) work well together | |
wavicle /ˈwāvək(ə)l/ - n. (physics) an entity having characteristic properties of both waves and particles | |
brouhaha /ˈbruhäˌhä/ - n. a noisy and overexcited reaction or response to something | |
exhort /iɡˈzôrt/ - v. strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something | |
castigate /ˈkastəˌɡāt/ - v. reprimand (someone) severely | |
To the nines - to perfection; to the highest degree | |
The full monty - (br. slang) everything which is necessary, appropriate or possible; 'the works' | |
The whole nine yards/the full nine yards - (coll. am.) - everything, the whole lot | adj. all the way | |
sublate /səˈblāt/ - v. (philos.) assimilate (a smaller entity) into a larger one. | |
exegesis /ˌeksəˈjēsis/ - n. critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture | |
exegetical - adj. of or relating to exegesis | |
siree /səˈrē/ - excl. (inf. n.am) used for emphasis, especially after yes and no | |
silver lining - sign of hope or a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation ("Every cloud has a silver lining") | |
liminal /ˈlimənl/ - adj. (technical) occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold | relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process (from Latin limen, limin- ‘threshold’) | |
face (someone) down - oppose or defeat someone by being confident and looking at them boldly | |
harrow - v. cause distress to | |
harrowing - adj. acutely distressing | |
falls by the wayside - fail to persist in an endeavor or undertaking | |
go by the wayside - (am.) to be put aside, shelved, or discarded | |
afford - v. provide or supply (an opportunity or facility) | |
get the best of - overcome (someone) | |
garner /ˈɡärnər/ - v. gather or collect (something, especially information or approval) (from Latin granum ‘grain’) | |
vagabond /ˈvaɡəbɒnd/ - n. a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job (from latin: vagari ‘wander’) | |
consummate - v. make (a marriage or relationship) complete by having sexual intercourse| complete (a transaction or attempt); make perfect | |
consummate - adj. showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect (fr. Latin: con- ‘altogether’ + summa ‘sum total’) | |
lech /ˈlech/ - n. (inf. derog.) a lecher; a lecherous urge or desire | |
wash - n. (inf. n.am.) a situation or result that is of no benefit to either of two opposing sides, "a wash" | |
slop /släp/ - n. waste water from a kitchen, bathroom, or chamber pot that has to be emptied by hand | |
wash - n. kitchen slops and other food waste fed to pigs | |
hogwash - n. (inf.) nonsense (from hog + wash; the original sense was ‘kitchen swill for pigs’) | |
nifty /ˈniftē/ - adj. (inf.) particularly good, skillful, or effective| fashionable; stylish | |
thingamajig/thingamabob - n. (inf.) used to refer to or address a person or thing whose name one has forgotten, does not know, or does not wish to mention | |
Eucharist /ˈjuːkərɪst/ - n. the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed | |
oblation /ɒˈbleɪʃən/ - n. a thing presented or offered to God or a god; the presentation of bread and wine to God in the Eucharist | |
mother lode - n. a principal vein of an ore or mineral; a rich source of something | |
lode /lōd/ - n. a vein of metal ore in the earth; a rich source of something | |
scum /skəm/ - n. a layer of dirt or froth on the surface of a liquid | |
thrust - n. the principal purpose or theme of a course of action or line of reasoning | |
stodgy /ˈstäjē/ - adj. dull and uninspired | |
extempore /ikˈstempərē/ - adj. spoken or done without preparation (from Latin ex tempore ‘on the spur of the moment’ (literally ‘out of the time’)) | |
crore /krôr/ - n. (indian) ten million; one hundred lakhs, especially of rupees, units of measurement, or people | |
fundie /ˈfəndē/ - n. (inf.) a fundamentalist, especially a Christian fundamentalist | |
mothball /ˈmɒθbɔːl/ - v. stop using (a piece of equipment or a building) but keep it in good condition so that it can readily be used again. | |
capriole /ˈkaprēˌōl/ - n. a movement performed in classical riding, in which the horse leaps from the ground and kicks out with its hind legs | |
caper /ˈkāpər/ - n. (inf.) an activity or escapade, typically one that is illicit or ridiculous | |
cotillion /kəˈtilyən/ - n. (us) a formal ball, especially one at which debutantes are presented | |
gherkin /ˈɡərkən/ - n. the small green fruit of a plant related to the cucumber, used for pickling | |
kerfuffle /kərˈfəfəl/ - n. (inf. br.) a commotion or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views | |
mise en scène /ˌmēz ˌän ˈsen/ - n. the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play; the setting or surroundings of an event or action (Fr. ‘putting on stage’) | |
while (away) - v. pass time in a leisurely manner | |
catamount /ˈkadəˌmount/ - n. (n.am.) a medium-sized or large wild cat, especially a cougar (from the phrase 'cat of the mountain') | |
bris /bris/ - n. the Jewish ceremony of circumcision (from Hebrew bĕrīṯ, short for bĕrīṯ milah ‘covenant of circumcision’) | |
razz /raz/ - v. (inf. n.am.) tease (someone) playfully | |
mordant /ˈmôrdnt/ - adj. (especially of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting | |
peccadillo /ˌpekəˈdilō/ - n. a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin (from Latin peccare ‘to sin’) | |
hambone /ˈhambōn/ - n. (inf. n.am.) an inferior actor or performer | |
arrears /əˈrirz/ - n. money that is owed and should have been paid earlier | |
hoi polloi /ˌhoi pəˈloi/ - n. (derog.) the masses; the common people (Greek, literally ‘the many’) | |
mulligan /ˈməliɡən/ - n. (inf. n.am.) (in informal golf) an extra stroke allowed after a poor shot, not counted on the scorecard | |
romp /rämp/ - n. a spell of rough, energetic play.; (inf) an easy victory | |
cognate /ˈkɒɡneɪt/ - adj. (ling.) (of a word) having the same linguistic derivation as another (e.g. English father, German Vater, Latin pater). 2. related; connected; elated to or descended from a common ancestor (from Latin cognatus, from co- ‘together with’ + natus ‘born’) | |
augur /ˈôɡər/ - v. (of an event or circumstance) portend a good or bad outcome; portend or bode (a specified outcome) (from Latin, ‘diviner’) | |
at cross purposes - misunderstanding or having different aims from one another | |
beguile /bɪˈɡʌɪl/ - charm or enchant (someone), often in a deceptive way; (lit.) help (time) pass pleasantly | |
out of left field - (am. slang) - unexpected, odd, strange | |
zany /ˈzeɪni/ - adj. amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic | |
by-law /ˈbʌɪlɔː/ - n. a rule made by a company or society to control the actions of its members; regulation, rule | |
magna cum laude /maɡnə kəm ˈloudē/ - adv. (n.am.) with great distinction (with reference to college degrees and diplomas) (from Latin, literally 'with great praise') | |
craven /ˈkrāvən/ - adj. contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly | |
Manichaean /ˌmanəˈkēən/ - adj. (hist) relating to Manichaeism; relating to dualism or conflict between opposites; dualistic | |
wile /wīl/ - n. devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants | |
pail /peɪl/ - n. a bucket | |
orderly /ˈɔːd(ə)li/ - n. an attendant in a hospital responsible for the non-medical care of patients and the maintenance of order and cleanliness | |
fiduciary - n. a trustee (from Latin fidere ‘to trust’) | |
schmooze /ʃmuːz/ - v. talk with someone in a lively and friendly way, typically in order to impress or manipulate them (from Yiddish shmuesn ‘converse, chat’) | |
gush /ɡʌʃ/ - v. speak or write effusively or with exaggerated enthusiasm | |
skein /skeɪn/ - n. 1 a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted; an element that forms part of a complex or complicated whole 2 a flock of wild geese or swans in flight, typically in a V-shaped formation | |
sequestration /ˌsiːkwəˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. the action of taking forcible possession of something; confiscation; the action of declaring someone bankrupt. | |
leaven /ˈlɛv(ə)n/ - n. a substance, typically yeast, that is used in dough to make it rise | |
ecumenical /ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnɪk(ə)l/ - adj. representing a number of different Christian Churches; promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian Churches (via late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos from oikoumenē ‘the (inhabited) earth’) | |
discombobulate /ˌdɪskəmˈbɒbjʊleɪt/ - v. (humor) disconcert or confuse (someone) | |
shill /ʃɪl/ - n. (inf. n.am.) an accomplice of a confidence trickster or swindler who poses as a genuine customer to entice or encourage others. | |
Muzak /ˈmyo͞ozak/ - n. (tm) recorded light background music played through speakers in public places | |
curmudgeon /kərˈməjən/ - n. a bad-tempered person, especially an old one | |
sex /seks/ - v. (sexing n.) determine the sex of | |
patience /ˈpeɪʃ(ə)ns/ - n. (br.) any of various forms of card game for one player, the object of which is to use up all one's cards by forming particular arrangements and sequences. | |
lookie-loo (us. inf. disparaging) an intrusively curious onlooker; | |
touch base - (inf.) briefly make or renew contact with someone | |
overawe /əʊvərˈɔː/ - v. impress (someone) so much that they are silent or inhibited | |
buffalo /ˈbʌfələʊ/ - v. (inf. n.am.) overawe or intimidate (someone); baffle (someone) | |
spitball /ˈspɪtbɔːl/ - v. (n.am.) throw out (a suggestion) for discussion | |
be none the wiser - not understand something, even though it has been explained | |
Jinkeys - intj. describe shock or amazement | |
propitious /prəˈpɪʃəs/ - adj. giving or indicating a good chance of success; favourable | |
immanent /ˈimənənt/ - adj. existing or operating within; inherent. (of God) permanently pervading and sustaining the universe | |
doddle /ˈdädl/ - n. (inf. br.) a very easy task | |
rag /raɡ/ - n. make fun of (someone) in a boisterous manner | |
titter /ˈtidər/ - n. a short, half-suppressed laugh | |
rut /rət/ - n. an annual period of sexual activity in deer and some other mammals, during which the males fight each other for access to the females. | |
rut /rət/ - v. (of a deer or other mammal) engage in the rut or annual period of sexual activity; (derogatory) engage in promiscuous or indiscriminate sexual activity | |
abiding - adj. (of a feeling or memory) lasting a long time; enduring | |
know one's onions - (inf. br.) be very knowledgeable about something | |
prowler /ˈpraʊlə/ - n. a person who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with a view to committing a crime | |
plumbing /ˈplʌmɪŋ/ - n. (inf. hum.) used as a humorous euphemism for the excretory, urinary, or reproductive systems | |
receptacle /rɪˈsɛptək(ə)l/ - n. (n.am.) an electrical socket | |
warily /ˈwerəlē/ - adv. cautiously, carefully; in a way that shows a lack of trust, suspiciously. | |
wearily /ˈwirəlē/ - adv. with extreme tiredness | |
terry /ˈterē/ - n. a fabric with raised uncut loops of thread covering both surfaces, used especially for towels (махрова тканина) | |
gird /ɡərd/ - v. prepare oneself for something difficult or challenging | |
biddable /ˈbidəbəl/ - adj. meekly ready to accept and follow instructions | |
mendacity /menˈdasədē/ - n. untruthfulness, dishonesty | |
anodyne /ˈanəˌdīn/ - adj. not likely to provoke dissent or offense; inoffensive, often deliberately so (Greek anōdunos ‘painless’, from an- ‘without’ + odunē ‘pain’) | |
burninate - v. (slang, humorous) To destroy by fire; to burn. | |
Jury rig = Jerry rig | |
Still life = натюрморт | |
neat /nēt/ - adj. (of liquid, especially liquor) not diluted or mixed with anything else | |
stopgap /ˈstɒpɡap/ - n. a temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need | |
cool beans - excl. (inf. us.) used to express approval or delight. | |
suds /sədz/ - n. short for soapsuds | |
bow out - v. withdraw or retire from an activity or role | |
ineffable /inˈefəb(ə)l/ - adj. too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words | |
effable /ˈefəbəl/ - adj. (rare) able to be described in words. Lat. effari = utter | |
deck chair - n. a folding chair of wood and canvas, typically used near the sea or on the deck of passenger ships. | |
itinerary /īˈtinəˌrerē/ - n. a planned route or journey; a travel document recording a route or journey | |
itinerant /ɪˈtɪn(ə)r(ə)nt/ - adj. travelling from place to place; n. a person who travels from place to place (from Latin iter, itiner- ‘journey, road’.) | |
hold-up /ˈhōldˌəp/ - n. a robbery conducted with the use of threats or violence | |
editorial /ɛdɪˈtɔːrɪəl/ - n. a newspaper article expressing the editor's opinion on a topical issue | |
shutterbug /ˈʃʌtəbʌɡ/ - n. (inf., n.am.) an enthusiastic photographer | |
intransigent /ɪnˈtransɪdʒ(ə)nt/ - adj. unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something | |
fam /fam/ - n. (inf.) a person's family; a person's circle of close friends; used as a form of address to a close friend | |
continence /ˈkɒntɪnəns/ - n. the ability to control movements of the bowels and bladder; self-restraint, especially with regard to sex | |
melange /meɪˈlɒ̃ʒ/ - n. a varied mixture | |
contrite /kənˈtrʌɪt/ - adj. feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong | |
fetter /ˈfɛtə/ - n. a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles | |
spurious /ˈspjʊərɪəs/ - adj. not being what it purports to be; false or fake | |
purport /ˈpəːpɔːt/ - v. appear to be or do something, especially falsely | |
torpor /ˈtɔːpə/ - n. a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy | |
shear /ʃɪə/ (p.p. shorn) - v. break off or cause to break off, owing to a structural strain | |
pamper /ˈpampə/ - v. indulge with every attention, comfort, and kindness; spoil | |
sleight /slʌɪt/ - n. (lit.) the use of dexterity or cunning, especially so as to deceive | |
parochial /pəˈrəʊkɪəl/ - adj. relating to a Church parish; having a limited or narrow outlook or scope | |
too cute/clever by half - to be too confident of your own intelligence in a way that annoys other people | |
consternation /kɒnstəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected | |
ascendancy /əˈsɛnd(ə)nsi/ - n. occupation of a position of dominant power or influence | |
enunciate /ɪˈnʌnsɪeɪt/ - v. say or pronounce clearly; express (a proposition, theory, etc.) in clear or definite terms | |
canard /kəˈnɑːd/ - n. an unfounded rumour or story | |
hiding /ˈhʌɪdɪŋ/ - n. (inf.) a physical beating | |
effulgence - n. radiant splendor; brilliance | |
blandishment /ˈblandɪʃm(ə)nt/ - n. a flattering or pleasing statement or action used as a means of gently persuading someone to do something | |
emeritus /ɪˈmɛrɪtəs/ - adj. (of the former holder of an office, especially a university professor) having retired but allowed to retain their title as an honour (~ ex+merit) | |
traduce /trəˈdjuːs/ - v. speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation | |
impugn /ɪmˈpjuːn/ - v. dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question | |
penchant /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/ - n. a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something | |
svelte /svɛlt/ - adj. (of a person) slender and elegant | |
sleuth /sluːθ/ - n. a person who investigates crimes; a detective | |
erstwhile /ˈəːstwʌɪl/ - adj. former | |
rind /rʌɪnd/ - n. the tough outer skin of certain fruit, especially citrus fruit | |
yen /jɛn/ - n. (inf.) a longing or yearning | |
whomp /wɒmp/ - excl. (inf. n.am) used as an expression of mock disappointment, often for humorous effect | |
philistine /ˈfɪlɪstʌɪn/ - n. a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts | |
fettle /ˈfɛt(ə)l/ - n. condition | |
molasses /məˈlasɪz/ - n. thick, dark brown juice obtained from raw sugar during the refining process | |
zhuzh, zhoosh /ʒʊʃ,ʒuːʃ/ - v. (inf.) make more exciting, lively, or attractive | |
abide /əˈbʌɪd/ - v. (of a feeling or memory) continue without fading or being lost | |
traipse /treɪps/ - v. walk or move wearily or reluctantly; walk about casually or needlessly. | |
pugnacious /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/ - adj. eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight | |
perforce /pəˈfɔːs/ - adj. (formal) used to express necessity or inevitability | |
give the lie to - serve to show that (something previously assumed to be the case) is not true | |
recondite /ˈrɛk(ə)ndʌɪ/ - adj. (of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse | |
torticollis /ˌtɔːtɪˈkɒlɪs/ - n. a condition in which the head becomes persistently turned to one side, often associated with painful muscle spasms | |
bobble /ˈbɒb(ə)l/ - v. (inf. n.am.) mishandle (a ball) | |
démarche /deɪˈmɑːʃ/ - n. a political step or initiative | |
goop /ɡuːp/ - n. (inf. n.am.) sloppy or sticky semi-fluid matter, typically something unpleasant | |
as right as rain - (inf.) (of a person) feeling completely well or healthy, typically after an illness or minor accident. | |
milieu /ˈmiːljə/ - n. a person's social environment | |
ministration /mɪnɪˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. (formal, humor.) the provision of assistance or care | |
ableism /ˈeɪblɪz(ə)m/ - n. discrimination in favour of able-bodied people | |
expiation /ɛkspɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement | |
baller /ˈbɔːlə/ - n. (inf. u.s.) a player of a ball game, especially a talented basketball player; a successful person, typically one who has a lavish or self-indulgent lifestyle; adj. (inf. u.s.) extremely good or impressive; excellent | |
repast /rɪˈpɑːst/ - n. (formal) a meal | |
collation /kəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. (formal) a light informal meal | |
collate /kəˈleɪt/ - v. collect and combine (texts, information, or data); compare and analyse (two or more sources of information) | |
countenance /ˈkaʊnt(ə)nəns/ - v. admit as acceptable or possible | |
uncouth /ʌnˈkuːθ/ - adj. lacking good manners, refinement, or grace | |
timorous /ˈtɪm(ə)rəs/ - adj. showing or suffering from nervousness or a lack of confidence | |
stalwart /ˈstɔːlwət/ - adj. loyal, reliable, and hard-working | |
tee up - (golf) place the ball on a tee ready to make the first stroke of the round or hole | |
tee /tiː/ - n. a cleared space on a golf course, from which the ball is struck at the beginning of play for each hole.; a small peg with a concave head which can be placed in the ground to support a golf ball before it is struck from a tee; a mark aimed at in bowls, quoits, curling, and other similar games | |
meat and potatoes - (n.am.) basic and essential aspects | |
simp /sɪmp/ = simpleton - n. (inf. n.am.) a silly or foolish person. | |
shake and bake - crude, unsophisticated; not professionally done, improvised. | |
schlock /ʃlɒk/ - n. (inf. n.am.) cheap or inferior goods or material; trash (Yiddish) | |
incel /ˈɪnsɛl/ = involuntary + celibate - n. a member of an online community of young men who consider themselves unable to attract women sexually, typically associated with views that are hostile towards women and men who are sexually active. | |
lubricious /luːˈbrɪʃəs/ - n. offensively displaying or intended to arouse sexual desire; smooth and slippery with oil or a similar substance | |
sedition /sɪˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch | |
aberrant /əˈbɛr(ə)nt/ (!) - adj. departing from an accepted standard | |
droll /drəʊl/ - adj. curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement | |
attenuate /əˈtɛnjʊeɪt/ - v. reduce the force, effect, or value of; reduce the amplitude of (a signal, electric current, or other oscillation); reduce the virulence of (a pathogenic organism), especially when preparing a vaccine | |
bring up the rear - be at the very end of a line of people; come last in a race or other contest | |
listicle /ˈlɪstɪk(ə)l/ = article + list; n. a piece of writing or other content presented wholly or partly in the form of a list | |
abut /əˈbʌt/ - v. (of a building or an area of land) be next to or have a common boundary with; touch or lean on | |
Aspie /ˈaspi/ - adj. (inf.) having or displaying characteristics of Asperger's syndrome | |
maskne - mask + akne | |
dido /ˈdʌɪdəʊ/ - n. (inf. n.am.) a mischievous trick or prank | |
high jinks = hijinks /ˈhʌɪ dʒɪŋks/ - n. boisterous fun | |
jink /dʒɪŋk/ - v. change direction suddenly and nimbly, as when dodging a pursuer | |
licentious /lʌɪˈsɛnʃəs/ - adj. promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters | |
sacrosanct /ˈsakrə(ʊ)saŋ(k)t/ - adj. (especially of a principle, place, or routine) regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with | |
deign /deɪn/ - v. do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity | |
ballyhoo /balɪˈhuː/ - n. (inf., u.s.) extravagant publicity or fuss | |
dweeb /dwiːb/ - n. (inf. derog.) a boring, studious, or socially inept person | |
Podunk /ˈpəʊdʌŋk/ - n. (inf. u.s.) a hypothetical small town regarded as typically dull or insignificant | |
portent /ˈpɔːtɛnt/ - n. a sign or warning that a momentous or calamitous event is likely to happen | |
reconnoitre /ˌrɛkəˈnɔɪtə/ - v. make a military observation of (a region) | |
scatalogical - the study of fecal excrement, as in medicine, paleontology, or biology | |
pageantry /ˈpadʒ(ə)ntri/ - n. elaborate display or ceremony | |
faff /faf/ - n. a great deal of ineffectual activity | |
nock /nɒk/ - v. fit (an arrow) to the bowstring ready for shooting | |
ichor /ˈʌɪkɔː/ - n. the fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods; (archaic) a watery discharge from a wound | |
recant /rɪˈkant/ - v. say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, especially one considered heretical | |
heady /ˈhɛdi/ - adj. of alcoholic drink) potent; intoxicating; having a strong or exhilarating effect | |
comeuppance /kʌmˈʌp(ə)ns/ - n. (inf.) a punishment or fate that someone deserves | |
canny /ˈkani/ - adj. having or showing shrewdness and good judgement, especially in money or business matters | |
pish /pɪʃ/ - excl. (dated) used to express annoyance, impatience, or disgust | |
betwixt /bɪˈtwɪkst/ - prep. (archaic) between (two people or things) | |
travail /ˈtraveɪl/ - n. (lit.) painful or laborious effort; labour pains | |
toss-up - the tossing of a coin to make a decision between two alternatives; a situation in which any of two or more outcomes or options is equally possible or equally attractive. | |
gestation /dʒɛˈsteɪʃ(ə)n/ - n. the process or period of developing inside the womb between conception and birth | |
prehensile /prɪˈhɛnsʌɪl/ - adj. (chiefly of an animal's limb or tail) capable of grasping | |
dapple /ˈdap(ə)l/ - v. mark with spots or rounded patches | |
dullard /ˈdʌləd/ - n. a slow or stupid person | |
Trias Politica = Separation of powers | |
blech /blɛx/ - excl. (inf.) used to express disgust | |
gloomy Gus - n. (inf.) A person with a sullen, unhappy appearance or demeanor; a person with a pessimistic outlook | |
hugenormous = huge + enormous | |
husbandry /ˈhʌzbəndri/ - n. the care, cultivation, and breeding of crops and animals; management and conservation of resources | |
husband /ˈhʌzbənd/ - v. use (resources) economically | |
throwback /ˈθrəʊbak/ - n. a person or thing having the characteristics of a former time; a reversion to an earlier ancestral characteristic | |
slam /slam/ - n. (u.s.) a poetry contest in which competitors recite their entries and are judged by members of the audience, the winner being elected after several elimination rounds | |
dainty /ˈdeɪnti/ - adj. delicately small and pretty; (of a person) delicate and graceful in build or movement | |
snag /snaɡ/ - n. an unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback; a sharp, angular, or jagged projection | |
duplicitous /djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/ - adj. deceitful | |
yadda yadda yadda /ˈjɑːdə ˈjɑːdə ˈjɑːdə/ - excl. (inf. n.am.) used to indicate that further details are predictable or contextually evident from what has preceded. | |
gyp /dʒɪp/ - v. (inf.) cheat or swindle (someone) | |
flimflam /ˈflɪmflam/ - n. (inf.) nonsensical or insincere talk; a confidence trick | |
spry /sprʌɪ/ - adj. (especially of an old person) active; lively | |
hovel /ˈhɒv(ə)l/ - n. a small squalid or simply constructed dwelling | |
low-down /ˈləʊdaʊn/ - n. (inf.) the true facts or relevant information about something | |
down-low - adj. (inf. us) discreet or secret | |
behove /bɪˈhəʊv/ - v. (formal) it is a duty or responsibility for someone to do something; it is appropriate or suitable; it befits | |
behoof /bɪˈhuːf/ - n. (arch.) benefit or advantage | |
joie de vivre /ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvr(ə)/ - exuberant enjoyment of life | |
missive /ˈmɪsɪv/ - n. (humor.) a letter, especially a long or official one | |
lanky /ˈlaŋki/ - adj. (of a person) ungracefully thin and tall | |
virility /vɪˈrɪlɪti/ - n. (in a man) the quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; manliness | |
wanton /ˈwɒntən/ - adj. (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked | |
malcontent /ˈmalkəntɛnt/ - n. a person who is dissatisfied and rebellious | |
methinks /mɪˈθɪŋks/ - v. (humor., archaic) it seems to me | |
doth /dʌθ/ = does; archaic third person singular present of do | |
ahoy /əˈhɔɪ/ - excl. (humor. nautical) a call used to greet someone or draw attention to something from a distance | |
hoy /hɔɪ/ - excl. used to attract someone's attention | |
admonish /ədˈmɒnɪʃ/ - v. warn or reprimand someone firmly; advise or urge (someone) earnestly | |
shod = past participle of shoe (v.) | |
slipshod /ˈslɪpʃɒd/ - adj. characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization | |
marquee /mɑːˈkiː/ - n. a canopy projecting over the entrance to a theatre, hotel, or other building | |
bog /bɒɡ/ - n. an area of wet muddy ground that is too soft to support a heavy body | |
touché /tuːˈʃeɪ/ - excl. used as an acknowledgement during a discussion of a good or clever point made at one's expense by another person; (in fencing) used as an acknowledgement of a hit by one's opponent (Fr. ‘touched’) | |
ruse /ruːz/ - n. an action intended to deceive someone; a trick | |
trawl /trɔːl/ - v. fish with a trawl net or seine; search thoroughly | |
reprieve /rɪˈpriːv/ - n. a cancellation or postponement of a punishment; a cancellation or postponement of an undesirable event | |
bellyache /ˈbɛlɪeɪk/ - v. (inf.) complain noisily or persistently | |
dank /daŋk/ - adj. unpleasantly damp and cold | |
spindly /ˈspɪndli/ - adj. long or tall and thin; weak or insubstantial in construction | |
inane /ɪˈneɪn/ - adj. lacking sense or meaning; silly | |
ipso facto /ˌɪpsəʊ ˈfaktəʊ/ - adv. by that very fact or act | |
e pluribus unum /eɪ ˌplʊərɪbʊs ˈjuːnʊm/ - n. out of many, one (the motto of the US). | |
allusion /əˈluːʒ(ə)n/ - n. an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference | |
crochet /ˈkrəʊʃeɪ/ - n. a handicraft in which yarn is made up into a textured fabric by means of a hooked needle | |
honcho /ˈhɒn(t)ʃəʊ/ - n. (inf. n.am.) a leader or manager; the person in charge (Jp. hanchō 班長 ‘group leader’) | |
nexus /ˈnɛksəs/ - n. a connection or series of connections linking two or more things; a central or focal point (Lat. nex- ‘bound’) | |
succour /ˈsʌkə/ - n. assistance and support in times of hardship and distress; v. give assistance or aid to | |
gusto /ˈɡʌstəʊ/ - n. enjoyment and enthusiasm in doing something | |
crock /krɒk/ - n. (inf. n.am.) something considered to be complete nonsense; an earthenware pot or jar | |
convent /ˈkɒnv(ə)nt/ - n. a Christian community of nuns living together under monastic vows | |
vis-à-vis /ˌviːzɑːˈviː/ - prep. in relation to; with regard to; as compared with; as opposed to (Fr. "face to face") | |
natch /natʃ/ - adv. (inf.) naturally; as may be expected | |
par for the course = what is normal or expected in any given circumstances | |
avarice /ˈav(ə)rɪs/ - n. extreme greed for wealth or material gain | |
manifold /ˈmanɪfəʊld/ - adj. (formal, lit.) many and various; having many different forms or elements | |
pine /pʌɪn/ - v. suffer a mental and physical decline, especially because of a broken heart; miss or long for | |
vaudeville /ˈvɔːdəvɪl/ - n. (arch.) a satirical or topical song with a refrain | |
hock a loogie - forcefully spitting out a mass of saliva and phlegm from the throat | |
be hoist by one's own petard - have one's plans to cause trouble for others backfire on one | |
truancy /ˈtruːənsi/ - n. the action of staying away from school without good reason; absenteeism | |
hooch /huːtʃ/ - n. (inf.) alcoholic drink, especially inferior or illicit whisky | |
wrought /rɔːt/ - v. (of metals) beaten out or shaped by hammering; made or fashioned in the specified way; archaic past and past participle of "work" | |
anoint /əˈnɔɪnt/ - v. smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony; nominate or choose (someone) as successor to or leading candidate for a position | |
acme /ˈakmi/ - n. the point at which something is at its best or most highly developed | |
taffy /ˈtafi/ - n. (n.am.) a sweet similar to toffee, made from brown sugar or treacle, boiled with butter and pulled until glossy | |
besmirch /bɪˈsməːtʃ/ - v. damage (someone's reputation); (lit.) make (something) dirty or discoloured | |
chowderhead /ˈtʃaʊdəhɛd/ - n. (inf. n.am.) a stupid person | |
edify /ˈɛdɪfʌɪ/ - v. (formal) instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually | |
horf = vomit | |
bacchanal /ˈbakən(ə)l/ - n. (lit.) a wild and drunken celebration; adj. = bacchanalian | |
bacchanalian /ˌbakəˈneɪlɪən/ - adj. characterized by or given to drunken revelry | |
prithee /ˈprɪðiː/ - excl. (arch.) please (used to convey a polite request) = I pray thee | |
forsooth /fəˈsuːθ/ - adv. (arch. humor.) indeed (often used ironically) | |
elide /ɪˈlʌɪd/ - v. omit (a sound or syllable) when speaking | |
zing /zɪŋ/ - v. (n.am.) attack or criticize sharply | |
card /kɑːd/ - n. (inf. dated) - a person regarded as odd or amusing | |
wont /wəʊnt/ - n. (formal, humor.) - one's customary behaviour | |
chicanery /ʃɪˈkeɪnəri/ - n. the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one's purpose | |
goad /ɡəʊd/ - v. provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate an action or reaction; drive (an animal) with a spiked stick | |
graffito - singular from graffiti | |
egad /ɪˈɡad/ - excl. (arch.) expressing surprise, anger, or affirmation; = A God | |
sagacious /səˈɡeɪʃəs/ - having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgement; wise or shrewd | |
simper /ˈsɪmpə/ - v. smile in an affectedly coy or ingratiating manner | |
ingratiate /ɪnˈɡreɪʃɪeɪt/ - v. bring oneself into favour with someone by flattering or trying to please them | |
coy /kɔɪ/ - adj. (especially with reference to a woman) making a pretence of shyness or modesty which is intended to be alluring; reluctant to give details about something regarded as sensitive | |
dolt /dəʊlt/ - n. stupid person | |
frisson /ˈfriːsã/ - n. a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear; a thrill | |
pook /spuːk/ - n. (inf. n.am.) a spy | |
summery /ˈsʌm(ə)ri/ - aj. characteristic of or suitable for summer | |
abdicate /ˈabdɪkeɪt/ - v. fail to fulfil or undertake (a responsibility or duty) | |
phooey /ˈfuːi/ - excl. used to express disdain or disbelief | |
blight /blʌɪt/ - n. a thing that spoils or damages something; a plant disease, typically one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts. | |
ennui /ɒnˈwiː/ - n. a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement | |
artificer /ɑːˈtɪfɪsə/ - n. (arch.) a skilled craftsman or inventor; a skilled mechanic in the armed forces | |
derring-do /ˌdɛrɪŋˈduː/ - n. (dated. hum.) - action displaying heroic courage | |
reel /riːl/ - v. lose one's balance and stagger or lurch violently | |
pachyderm /ˈpakɪdəːm/ - n. a very large mammal with thick skin, especially an elephant, rhinoceros, or hippopotamus. | |
lo /ləʊ/ - excl. (arch.) used to draw attention to an interesting or amazing event | |
hallowed /ˈhaləʊd/ - adj. made holy; consecrated; greatly revered and honoured | |
hallow /ˈhaləʊ/ - v. honour as holy; make holy; consecrate | |
hackneyed /ˈhaknɪd/ - adj. (of a phrase or idea) having been overused; unoriginal and trite | |
tripe /trʌɪp/ - n. (inf.) nonsense; rubbish; the first or second stomach of a cow or other ruminant used as food | |
gullet /ˈɡʌlɪt/ - n. the passage by which food passes from the mouth to the stomach; the oesophagus. | |
drat /drat/ - excl. a mild expression of annoyance or irritation | |
aspersion /əˈspəːʃ(ə)n/ - n. an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something | |
blather /ˈblaðə/ - n. long-winded talk with no real substance | |
mondo /ˈmɒndəʊ/ - adv. adj. (inf. us.) - used in reference to something very striking or remarkable of its kind (often in conjunction with a pseudo-Italian noun or adjective) | |
eclectic /ɪˈklɛktɪk/ - adj. deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources | |
hunk /hʌŋk/ - n. (inf.) a large, strong, sexually attractive man | |
ne'er-do-well /ˈnɛːduːwɛl/ - n. a person who is lazy and irresponsible | |
bilk /bɪlk/ - v. (inf.) obtain or withhold money from (someone) unfairly or by deceit; cheat or defraud | |
rapscallion /rapˈskalɪən/ - n. (arch. humor.) a mischievous person | |
armoire /ɑːˈmwɑː/ - a cupboard or wardrobe, typically one that is ornate or antique | |
beseech /bɪˈsiːtʃ/ - v. (lit.) ask (someone) urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat | |
pantry /ˈpantri/ - n. a small room or cupboard in which food, crockery, and cutlery are kept | |
environs /ɪnˈvʌɪrənz/ - n. the surrounding area or district | |
environ /ɪnˈvʌɪrən/ - v. surround; enclose | |
accost /əˈkɒst/ - v. approach and address (someone) boldly or aggressively | |
cad /kad/ - n. (inf. dated) a man who behaves dishonourably, especially towards a woman | |
excelsior /ɛkˈsɛlsɪɔː/ - n. used in the names of hotels and products to indicate superior quality (late 18th century (as an exclamation): from Latin, comparative of excelsus, from ex- ‘out, beyond’ + celsus ‘lofty’) | |
fugly /ˈfʌɡli/ - adj. (inf.) very ugly or unattractive | |
to wit - adv. That is to say; namely; specifically; as follows | |
repartee /ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː/ - conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies | |
duress /djʊ(ə)ˈrɛs/ - n. threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone into doing something against their will or better judgement | |
nimrod /ˈnɪmrɒd/ - n. (inf. n.am.) an inept person; (lit.) a skilful hunter | |
jeebus /ˈdʒiːbəs/ - n. (inf.) a humorous respelling of the name of Jesus (often used as an exclamation expressing irritation, dismay, or surprise) | |
celerity /sɪˈlɛrɪti/ - n. (arch. lit.) swiftness of movement | |
ornery /ˈɔːnəri/ - adj. (inf. n.am.) bad-tempered or difficult to deal with | |
wuss /wʊs/ - n. a weak or ineffectual person (often used as a general term of abuse) | |
gel /dʒɛl/ - v. (of a project or idea) take a definite form or begin to work well | |
aggravate /ˈaɡrəveɪt/ - v. make (a problem, injury, or offence) worse or more serious; (inf.) annoy or exasperate | |
razzmatazz /razməˈtaz/ - n. (inf.) noisy, showy, and exciting activity and display designed to attract and impress | |
nit /nɪt/ - (inf. br.) a foolish person | |
crag /kraɡ/ - a steep or rugged cliff or rock face | |
candour /ˈkandə/ - n. the quality of being open and honest; frankness | |
bungle /ˈbʌŋɡ(ə)l/ - v. carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently | |
nerts - intj. (slang) nonsense, nuts | |
nefarious /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/ - adj. (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal | |
ley /leɪ,liː/ - n. a supposed straight line connecting three or more prehistoric or ancient sites, sometimes regarded as the line of a former track and associated by some with lines of energy and other paranormal phenomena. | |
ruckus /ˈrʌkəs/ - n. a row or commotion | |
janky /ˈdʒaŋki/ - adj. (inf. n.am.) of extremely poor or unreliable quality | |
mojo /ˈməʊdʒəʊ/ - a magic charm, talisman, or spell; influence, especially magic power | |
brio /ˈbriːəʊ/ - vigour or vivacity of style or performance | |
equine /ˈiːkwʌɪn/ - relating to or affecting horses or other members of the horse family | |
Cathay = China | |
chad /tʃad/ - a piece of waste material removed from card or tape by punching | |
argyle /ɑːˈɡʌɪl/ - a pattern composed of diamonds of various colours on a plain background, used in knitted garments such as sweaters and socks | |
inclement /ɪnˈklɛm(ə)nt/ - (of the weather) unpleasantly cold or wet | |
tureen /tjʊˈriːn/ - a deep covered dish from which soup is served | |
varmint /ˈvɑːmɪnt/ - (inf. dial.) a troublesome wild animal; a troublesome and mischievous person, especially a child | |
shizz = cool shit | |
gratify /ˈɡratɪfʌɪ/ - give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction; indulge or satisfy (a desire) | |
dun /dʌn/ - make persistent demands on (someone), especially for payment of a debt | |
gledge - (Scottish) a sideways glance | |
ravine /rəˈviːn/ - a deep, narrow gorge with steep sides | |
awl /ɔːl/ - a small pointed tool used for piercing holes, especially in leather | |
mettle /ˈmɛt(ə)l/ - a person's ability to cope well with difficulties; spirit and resilience | |
muddle through - cope more or less satisfactorily despite lack of expertise, planning, or equipment | |
cinch /sɪn(t)ʃ/ - an extremely easy task | |
verve /vəːv/ - vigour and spirit or enthusiasm | |
slough /slʌf/ - shed or remove (a layer of dead skin) | |
plaudits - an act or round of applause | |
JFC - Jesus Fucking Christ | |
staunch /stɔːn(t)ʃ/ - adj. very loyal and committed in attitude. | |
fae = fairy | |
tawdry /ˈtɔːdri/ - showy but cheap and of poor quality | |
convalescent /kɒnvəˈlɛs(ə)nt/ - (of a person) recovering from an illness or medical treatment | |
broach /brəʊtʃ/ - v. raise (a difficult subject) for discussion | |
beady-eyed - Giving a suspicious and alert look | |
meretricious /ˌmɛrɪˈtrɪʃəs/ - apparently attractive but having no real value | |
lacquer /ˈlakə/ - n. a liquid made of shellac dissolved in alcohol, or of synthetic substances, that dries to form a hard protective coating for wood, metal, etc | |
get (or receive) one's just deserts - receive what one deserves, especially appropriate punishment | |
dun /dʌn/ - make persistent demands on (someone), especially for payment of a debt | |
insipid /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ - lacking flavour; weak or tasteless; lacking vigour or interest | |
gledge /ɡlɛdʒ/ (Scott.) - n. a sideways glance | |
gratify /ˈɡratɪfʌɪ/ - give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction | |
dogged /ˈdɒɡɪd/ - adj. having or showing tenacity and grim persistence | |
sinew /ˈsɪnjuː/ - n. a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone; a tendon or ligament | |
not a whit = not at all | |
whit /wɪt/ - n. a very small part or amount | |
slat /slat/ - n. a thin, narrow piece of wood, plastic, or metal, especially one of a series which overlap or fit into each other, as in a fence or a Venetian blind | |
back-seat driver - (inf.) a passenger in a car who gives the driver unwanted advice; a person who is eager to give advice about something for which they are not responsible. | |
aver /əˈvəː/ - v. (formal) state or assert to be the case. | |
jape /dʒeɪp/ - n. a practical joke; v. say or do something in jest or mockery | |
pauper /ˈpɔːpə/ - n. a very poor person | |
fit - adj. (inf.) ready | |
at/on the double - at running speed; very fast | |
younder /ˈjɒndə/ - adv. (arch. dial.) at some distance in the direction indicated; over there | |
abstruse /əbˈstruːs/ - difficult to understand; obscure | |
sycophant /ˈsɪkəfant/ - a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage; flatterer | |
b-roll - supplemental or alternative footage intercut with the main shot | |
wily /ˈwʌɪli/ - skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully | |
hedge-creeper - A wily, crafty vagabond and thief | |
knackered /ˈnakəd/ - (inf. br.) extremely tired | |
facetious /fəˈsiːʃəs/ - treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humour; flippant. | |
upshot /ˈʌpʃɒt/ - the final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events | |
get (or have) one's ducks in a row (inf. n.am) - get (or have) one's facts straight; get (or have) everything organized. | |
crapshoot /ˈkrapʃuːt/ - n. (n.am) a game of craps; (inf.) a risky or uncertain matter | |
duke it out - (informal) To argue heavily or at length | |
remonstrate /ˈrɛmənstreɪt/ - v. make a forcefully reproachful protest | |
nonplussed /nɒnˈplʌst/ - so surprised and confused that one is unsure how to react; (inf. n.am.) not disconcerted; unperturbed | |
raconteur /ˌrakɒnˈtəː/ - a person who tells anecdotes in a skilful and amusing way | |
decant /dɪˈkant/ - gradually pour (wine, port, or another liquid) from one container into another, typically in order to separate out sediment | |
sotto voce /ˌsɒtəʊ ˈvəʊtʃeɪ/ - adv. adj. (of singing or a spoken remark) in a quiet voice (it. sotto ‘under’ + voce ‘voice’) | |
conniption /kəˈnɪpʃ(ə)n/ - (inf. n.am.) a fit of rage or hysterics | |
risible /ˈrɪzɪb(ə)l/ - provoking laughter through being ludicrous | |
lodestone /ˈləʊdstəʊn/ - n. a piece of magnetite or other naturally magnetized mineral, able to be used as a magnet. | |
calque /kalk/ - ~= loan translation; an expression adopted by one language from another in a more or less literally translated form | |
dowel /ˈdaʊəl/ - n. a projecting peg used for holding together components of a structure | |
sidle /ˈsʌɪd(ə)l/ - v. walk in a furtive, unobtrusive, or timid manner, especially sideways or obliquely | |
strident /ˈstrʌɪd(ə)nt/ - adj. (of a sound) loud and harsh; grating | |
preternatural /ˌpriːtəˈnatʃ(ə)r(ə)l/ - beyond what is normal or natural | |
ride-off (n.am.) - (in a riding competition) a round held to resolve a tie or determine qualifiers for a later stage; a jump-off | |
sessile /ˈsɛsʌɪl/ - adj. (bio.) (of an organism, e.g. a barnacle) fixed in one place; immobile | |
actuary /ˈaktʃʊ(ə)ri/ - n. a person who compiles and analyses statistics and uses them to calculate insurance risks and premiums. | |
honeysuckle /ˈhʌnɪsʌk(ə)l/ - a widely distributed climbing shrub with tubular flowers that are typically fragrant and of two colours or shades, opening in the evening for pollination by moths. | |
mandolin /ˈmandəlɪn/ - a musical instrument resembling a lute, having paired metal strings plucked with a plectrum. It has a characteristic tremolo when sustaining long notes | |
oeuvre /ˈəːvr(ə)/ - the body of work of a painter, composer, or author (fr. ‘work’) | |
pensive /ˈpɛnsɪv/ - engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought | |
desiccate /ˈdɛsɪkeɪt/ - remove the moisture from (something); cause to become completely dry | |
beatific /biːəˈtɪfɪk/ - feeling or expressing blissful happiness (lat. beatus ‘blessed’) | |
numinous /ˈnjuːmɪnəs/ - adj. having a strong religious or spiritual quality; indicating or suggesting the presence of a divinity (lat. numen "divine will") | |
natal /ˈneɪt(ə)l/ - adj. relating to the place or time of one's birth | |
sundry /ˈsʌndri/ - adj. of various kinds; several; n. various items not important enough to be mentioned individually | |
blunt /blʌnt/ - n. (inf.) a hollowed-out cigar filled with cannabis | |
slash - n. (inf.) a genre of fiction, chiefly published in fanzines or online, in which characters who appear together in film, television, or other popular media, are portrayed as having a sexual, especially homosexual, relationship. | |
perfunctory /pəˈfʌŋ(k)t(ə)ri/ - (of an action) carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort | |
equanimity /ˌɛkwəˈnɪmɪti/ - calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation (from Latin: aequus ‘equal’ + animus ‘mind’) | |
scan /skan/ - v. (of verse) conform to metrical principles | |
limerick /ˈlɪm(ə)rɪk/ - a humorous five-line poem with a rhyme scheme aabba | |
knock-on effect - a secondary, indirect, or cumulative effect | |
thimble /ˈθɪmb(ə)l/ - a small metal or plastic cap with a closed end, worn to protect the finger and push the needle in sewing | |
joie de vivre /ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvr(ə)/ - exuberant enjoyment of life, Fr. "joy of living" | |
french door - n. (n.am.) French window, each of a pair of glazed doors in an outside wall, serving as a window and door, typically opening on to a garden or balcony | |
sangha /ˈsʌŋɡə/ - n. the Buddhist monastic order, including monks, nuns, and novices | |
affidavit /ˌafɪˈdeɪvɪt/ - n. a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court | |
hotsy-totsy /hɒtsɪˈtɒtsi/ - adj. (inf. dated) - very pleasing or good; 2 ~= hoity-toity | |
profligate /ˈprɒflɪɡət/ - adj. recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources | |
Carthago delenda est - (lat.) "Carthage must be destroyed" | |
mensch /mɛnʃ/ - n. (inf, n.am.) a person of integrity and honour | |
cachet /ˈkaʃeɪ/ - the state of being respected or admired; prestige | |
scintillating /ˈsɪntɪleɪtɪŋ/ - sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever or skilful | |
ashram /ˈaʃrəm/ - (especially in South Asia) a hermitage, monastic community, or other place of religious retreat | |
via negativa /viːə nɛɡəˈtiːvə/ - a philosophical approach to theology which asserts that no finite concepts or attributes can be adequately used of God, but only negative terms | |
providence /ˈprɒvɪd(ə)ns/ - 1. the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power; God or nature as providing protective care; 2. timely preparation for future eventualities | |
haze /heɪz/ - v. (n.am.) force (a new or potential recruit to the military or a university fraternity) to perform strenuous, humiliating, or dangerous tasks | |
proclivity /prəˈklɪvɪti/ - a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing | |
tinsel - type of decorative material that mimics the effect of ice, consisting of thin strips of sparkling material attached to a thread | |
Chrimbo /ˈkrɪmbəʊ/ - (inf. brit.) Christmas | |
redline /ˈrɛdlʌɪn/ - v. (inf. n.am.) - drive with (a car engine) at or above its rated maximum revolutions per minute; cancel (a project) | |
pare /pɛː/ - v. trim (something) by cutting away its outer edges; cut off (the outer skin) of something; reduce (something) in size, extent, or quantity in a number of small successive stages | |
ichthys /ˈɪkθəs/ - symbol was adopted by early Christians as a secret symbol | |
en route /ɒn ˈruːt/ - during the course of a journey; on the way | |
quatrain /ˈkwɒtreɪn/ - a stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes | |
argot /ˈɑːɡəʊ/ - he jargon or slang of a particular group or class | |
cant /kant/ - language specific to a particular group or profession and regarded with disparagement | |
furtive /ˈfəːtɪv/ - attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive; suggestive of guilty nervousness | |
amenable /əˈmiːnəb(ə)l/ - adj. open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled; capable of being acted upon in a particular way; susceptible | |
ramble /ˈramb(ə)l/ - n. a walk taken for pleasure in the countryside | |
frayed /freɪd/ - (of a fabric, rope, or cord) unravelled or worn at the edge; (of a person's nerves or temper) showing the effects of strain | |
ludic /ˈluːdɪk/ - adj. (formal) showing spontaneous and undirected playfulness | |
shibboleth /ˈʃɪbəlɛθ/ - a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important. | |
on the nose - (inf, n.am.) precisely | |
coddle /ˈkɒd(ə)l/ - treat (someone) in an indulgent or overprotective way | |
teetotal /tiːˈtəʊt(ə)l/ - adj. choosing or characterized by abstinence from alcohol | |
requite /rɪˈkwʌɪt/ - v. (formal) make appropriate return for (a favour, service, or wrongdoing) | |
unrequited /ʌnrɪˈkwʌɪtɪd/ - v. (of a feeling, especially love) not returned | |
scrawl /skrɔːl/ - v. write (something) in a hurried, careless way. | |
goon /ɡuːn/ - n. a silly, foolish, or eccentric person; (n.am.) a bully or thug, especially a member of an armed or security force | |
gobsmacked /ˈɡɒbsmakt/ - adj. (inf. br.) utterly astonished; astounded. | |
hapless /ˈhapləs/ - adj. unfortunate | |
hackle /ˈhak(ə)l/ - n. erectile hairs along an animal's back, which rise when it is angry or alarmed | |
get (one's) hackles up - become or cause to become angry, hostile, defensive, or irritable | |
pontificate /pɒnˈtɪfɪkeɪt/ - express one's opinions in a pompous and dogmatic way | |
blithe /blʌɪð/ - adj. showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper | |
docket /ˈdɒkɪt/ - n. (n.am.) a list of cases for trial or people having cases pending; an agenda or list of things to be done | |
snowed under - Very busy or overwhelmed with something | |
dippy /ˈdɪpi/ - adj. silly and eccentric or scatterbrained | |
cornucopia /ˌkɔːnjʊˈkəʊpɪə/ - a symbol of plenty consisting of a goat's horn overflowing with flowers, fruit, and corn | |
largesse /lɑːˈ(d)ʒɛs/ - n. generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others; money or gifts given generously | |
death knell /nɛl/ - the tolling of a bell to mark someone's death; used to refer to the imminent destruction or failure of something | |
preen /priːn/ - congratulate or pride oneself; devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance | |
germane /dʒəːˈmeɪn/ - adj. relevant to a subject under consideration | |
qua /kweɪ,kwɑː/ - conj. (formal) in the capacity of; as being | |
LTL - Less-than-truckload shipping | |
cachet /ˈkaʃeɪ/ - the state of being respected or admired; prestige. | |
especial /ɪˈspɛʃ(ə)l/ = special | |
lick /lɪk/ - v. overcome (a person or problem) decisively; beat or thrash (someone) | |
fix - n. (inf.) a difficult or awkward situation from which it is hard to extricate oneself; a predicament | |
nix - v. (n.am.) put an end to; cancel | |
toast of the trench | |
most becoming | |
waddle off | |
nutty adj. | |
pish-posh | |
peewee | |
namby-pamby | |
scoop | |
knock for a loop | |
horse around | |
(adj.) game | |
lift out of the dumps | |
gabby gums | |
hoot n. | |
namby pamby | |
rube /ruːb/ - n. (inf. n.am.) a country bumpkin | |
bumpkin /ˈbʌm(p)kɪn/ - n. an unsophisticated or socially awkward person from the countryside | |
beastly | |
et tu | |
phooey | |
delectable | |
dunk | |
frou-frou | |
hit the hay | |
dastardly | |
cur /kəː/ - n. an aggressive or unkempt dog, especially a mongrel; n. (inf.) a contemptible man | |
dapper adj. | |
tres magnifique | |
sugarcube | |
pleased as punch | |
pretty ticket | |
momentous | |
licks | |
tiny ewes | |
flugelhorn | |
flannelcake | |
sombra | |
rude pies | |
cauterized | |
swatches | |
calico | |
taffeta | |
flypast | |
chafing | |
farrago | |
she moults | |
limpet | |
travesty | |
rendered horse | |
scabrous | |
coven n. | |
effusive | |
unctuous /ˈʌŋ(k)tjʊəs/ - excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily | |
hangdog adj. | |
truculent | |
gormless /ˈɡɔːmləs/ - adj. (inf. br.) lacking sense or initiative; foolish | |
sojourn /ˈsɒdʒ(ə)n/ - n. a temporary stay | |
detente /deɪˈtɑːnt/ - n. the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries (from French détente, ‘loosening, relaxation’.) | |
catch some Zs - to get some sleep | |
zest /zɛst/ - n. great enthusiasm and energy; a quality of excitement and piquancy (from French zeste ‘orange or lemon peel’) | |
zesty - adj. having or characterized by zest; appealingly piquant or lively | |
tattletale /ˈtatlteɪl/ - n. a person, especially a child, who reveals secrets or informs on others | |
bosom buddy /ˈbʊz(ə)m/ - (inf.) a very close or intimate friend | |
vicariously /vʌɪˈkɛːrɪəsli/ - in a way that is experienced in the imagination through the actions of another person (from Latin vicarius ‘substitute’) | |
dilly-dally /ˈdɪlɪdali/ - waste time through aimless wandering or indecision | |
dumps /dʌm(p)s/ - n. (of a person) depressed or unhappy | |
game - adj. eager or willing to do something new or challenging | |
horse around/about - v. (inf.) fool about | |
knock smb. for a loop - shock, surprise, astonish, or bewilder one, especially in a distressing or upsetting manne | |
scoop /skuːp/ - n. (n.am.) the latest information about something | |
sessile /ˈsɛsʌɪl/ - (of an organism, e.g. a barnacle) fixed in one place; immobile | |
doggerel /ˈdɒɡ(ə)r(ə)l/ - comic verse composed in irregular rhythm; verse or words that are badly written or expressed | |
pulpit /ˈpʊlpɪt/ - a raised enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon | |
Kraut /kraʊt/ - (inf.) a German | |
posse /ˈpɒsi/ - (inf.) a group of people who have a common characteristic or occupation | |
quorate /ˈkwɔːrət/ - (brit.) (of a meeting) attended by a quorum and so having valid proceedings | |
riposte /rɪˈpɒst/ - n. a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism | |
jigger /ˈdʒɪɡə/ - v. (inf.) rearrange or tamper with | |
inveigh /ɪnˈveɪ/ - v. speak or write about (something) with great hostility | |
invective /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/ - n. insulting, abusive, or highly critical language | |
umbrage /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/ - n. offence or annoyance | |
strident /ˈstrʌɪd(ə)nt/ - adj. (of a sound) loud and harsh; grating | |
punctate /ˈpʌŋ(k)teɪt/ adj. (biology) - studded with or denoting dots or tiny holes | |
harried /ˈharɪd/ - adj. feeling strained as a result of having demands persistently made on one; harassed | |
harry /ˈhari/ - v. persistently harass | |
stablehand - n. a person who works in a stable | |
assiduously /əˈsɪdjʊəsli/ - adj. with great care and perseverance | |
assiduous /əˈsɪdjʊəs/ - showing great care and perseverance | |
briar /brʌɪə/ - any of a number of prickly scrambling shrubs, especially a wild rose | |
unequivocally /ʌnɪˈkwɪvək(ə)li/ - adj. in a way that leaves no doubt | |
M.O. - someone's habits of working (latin modus operandi) | |
bluster /ˈblʌstə/ - v. talk in a loud, aggressive, or indignant way with little effect | |
colander /ˈkʌləndə/ - n. a perforated bowl used to strain off liquid from food after washing or cooking | |
jaunt /dʒɔːnt/ - n. a short excursion or journey made for pleasure | |
entreat /ɪnˈtriːt/ - v. ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something | |
wanderlust /ˈwɒndəlʌst/ - n. a strong desire to travel (German) | |
sangfroid /sɒ̃ˈfrwɑː/ - n. composure or coolness shown in danger or under trying circumstances (from French sang-froid, literally ‘cold blood) | |
finagle /fɪˈneɪɡ(ə)l/ - v. (inf. u.s.) obtain by dishonest or devious means | |
episcopalian /ɪˌpɪskəˈpeɪlɪən/ - of or advocating government of a Church by bishops | |
futz /fʌts/ - v. (inf. n.am.) waste time; idle or busy oneself aimlessly. | |
eminent /ˈɛmɪnənt/ - adj. (of a person) famous and respected within a particular sphere | |
traipse /treɪps/ - walk or move wearily or reluctantly | |
catadioptric /ˌkatədʌɪˈɒptrɪk/ - denoting an optical system which involves both the reflecting and refracting of light, in order to reduce aberration. | |
loath /ləʊθ/ - reluctant; unwilling | |
diffident /ˈdɪfɪd(ə)nt/ - adj. modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence | |
buck tooth - an upper tooth that projects over the lower lip | |
buck /bʌk/ - n. the male of some horned animals, especially the fallow deer, roe deer, reindeer, and antelopes | |
buck - v. (inf.) make or become more cheerful | |
ex tempore - (latin) at the time | |
esprit de corps /ɛˌspriː də ˈkɔː/ - (french) a feeling of pride and mutual loyalty shared by the members of a group | |
explication /ɛksplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ - the process of analysing and developing an idea or principle in detail (explanation) | |
chasten /ˈtʃeɪs(ə)n/ - (of a rebuke or misfortune) have a restraining or moderating effect on | |
ceteris paribus /ˌkɛtərɪs ˈparɪbʊs/ - with other conditions remaining the same; other things being equal | |
recalcitrant /rɪˈkalsɪtr(ə)nt/ - having an obstinately uncooperative attitude towards authority or discipline | |
paunch /pɔːn(t)ʃ/ - A large or protruding abdomen or stomach | |
wreath /riːθ/ - An arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring and used for decoration or for laying on a grave. | |
demur /dəˈmər/ - Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance; The action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something | |
harridan /ˈharɪd(ə)n/ - a strict, bossy, or belligerent old woman | |
advisement /ədˈvʌɪzmənt/ (archaic, n.am.) - careful consideration | |
negentropy - In information theory and statistics, negentropy is used as a measure of distance to normality | |
tarry /ˈtari/ - stay longer than intended; delay leaving a place | |
cozen /ˈkʌz(ə)n/ - trick or deceive; obtain by deception | |
sere /sɪə/ - (especially of vegetation) dry or withered | |
axiology /ˌaksēˈäləjē/ - The study of the nature of value and valuation, and of the kinds of things that are valuable. | |
desecrate /ˈdɛsɪkreɪt/ - treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect | |
caw /kɔː/ - n. the harsh cry of a rook, crow, or similar bird | |
meliorate /ˈmiːlɪəreɪt/ = ameliorate /əˈmiːlɪəreɪt/ - make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better | |
barmy /ˈbɑːmi/ - mad; crazy; extremely foolish | |
ophidiarium - A place for keeping snakes | |
acerbic /əˈsəːbɪk/ - (especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright | |
prat /prat/ - 1. (brit.) an incompetent or stupid person; an idiot 2. a person's buttocks | |
whicker /ˈwɪkə/ - (of a horse) give a soft breathy whinny | |
scry /skrʌɪ/ - foretell the future using a crystal ball or other reflective object or surface | |
genial /ˈdʒiːnɪəl/ - friendly and cheerful | |
commensurate /kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət/ - corresponding in size or degree; in proportion | |
trough /trɒf/ - a long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink out of; a channel used to convey a liquid | |
sacrament /ˈsakrəm(ə)nt/ - a thing of mysterious and sacred significance; a religious symbol | |
Arbor Day - holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees | |
arbour /ˈɑːbə/ - a shady garden alcove with the sides and roof formed by trees or climbing plants trained over a framework | |
rescind | |
demur | |
nail it | |
fit as a fiddle | |
hoofbump | |
glee | |
beam (v.) | |
quick as a whip | |
bauble | |
toupee | |
hyper | |
cranky doodle | |
stanky | |
stank | |
rock that headboard | |
knock those boots | |
take no guff | |
look at this honky | |
sweeps week | |
peaky /ˈpiːki/ - adj. (brit.) pale from illness or fatigue; sickly | |
rejoinder /rɪˈdʒɔɪndə/ - n. a reply, especially a sharp or witty on | |
irate /ʌɪˈreɪt/ - adj. feeling or characterized by great anger | |
import /ˈɪmpɔːt/ - the implicit meaning or significance of something | |
perspicacious /ˌpəːspɪˈkeɪʃəs/ - having a ready insight into and understanding of things | |
truncheon /ˈtrʌn(t)ʃ(ə)n/ - n. brit. a short, thick stick carried as a weapon by a police officer | |
turn-key /ˈtəːnkiː/ adj. - of or involving the provision of a complete product or service that is ready for immediate use | |
acidulous /əˈsɪdʒʊləs,əˈsɪdjʊləs/ - adj. sharp-tasting; sour; (of a person's remarks or tone) bitter; cutting. | |
cowl /kaʊl/ - n. a large loose hood, especially one forming part of a monk's habit | |
habit /ˈhabɪt/ n. 2 a long, loose garment worn by a member of a religious order | |
quash /kwɒʃ/ v. reject as invalid, especially by legal procedure; put an end to; suppress | |
fritz /frɪts/ n. (inf. n.am.) - (of a machine) stop working properly | |
make time with smb. - (inf. n.am.) make sexual advances to someone | |
remonstrate (with smb.) /ˈrɛmənstreɪt/ - v. make a forcefully reproachful protest | |
sumptuous /ˈsʌm(p)tjʊəs/ - adj. splendid and expensive-looking | |
dalliance /ˈdalɪəns/ - a casual romantic or sexual relationship; a period of brief or casual involvement with something. | |
railroad /ˈreɪlrəʊd/ - v. (inf.) rush or coerce (someone) into doing something | |
beau /bəʊ/ - n. (dated) a boyfriend or male admirer; 2 a rich, fashionable young man; a dandy | |
fop /fɒp/ - a man who is concerned with his clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way. | |
pillock /ˈpɪlək/ - n. (inf. brit.) a stupid person | |
snark /snɑːk/ - v. (inf. n.am.) make snide and sharply critical comments | |
ledge /lɛdʒ/ - a narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall, cliff, or other surface | |
crone /krəʊn/ - an ugly old woman | |
get hitched - married | |
nincompoop /ˈnɪŋkəmpuːp/ - a foolish or stupid person | |
tuft /tʌft/ - a bunch or collection of threads, grass, hair, etc., held or growing together at the base | |
gazebo /ɡəˈziːbəʊ/ - a small building, especially one in the garden of a house, that gives a wide view of the surrounding area | |
flutter /ˈflʌtə/ - a state or sensation of tremulous excitement | |
haunt /hɔːnt/ - n. a place frequented by a specified person | |
chow /tʃaʊ/ - n. (inf.) food; v. (inf. n.am.) eat | |
bang-up - (inf. n.am.) excellent | |
fraca /ˈfrakɑː/ - a noisy disturbance or quarrel | |
put out/put someone out - cause someone trouble or inconvenience; upset or annoy someone | |
akrasia /əˈkreɪzɪə,əˈkrasɪə/ - he state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgement through weakness of will | |
vacillation /vasɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n/ - the inability to decide between different opinions or actions; indecision | |
egregious /ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/ - outstandingly bad; shocking. | |
ichor /ˈʌɪkɔː/ - the fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods; | |
gibbering /ˈdʒɪb(ə)rɪŋ/ - speaking rapidly and unintelligibly, typically through fear or shock | |
verboten /vəːˈbəʊt(ə)n,German fɛɐˈboːtn/ - forbidden, especially by an authority | |
paraphernalia /ˌparəfəˈneɪlɪə/ - miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity | |
inure /ɪˈnjʊə,ɪˈnjɔː/ - accustom (someone) to something, especially something unpleasant | |
rando /ˈrandəʊ/ - (inf. u.s.) - a person one does not know, especially one regarded as odd, suspicious, or engaging in socially inappropriate behaviour. | |
concomitant /kənˈkɒmɪt(ə)nt/ - naturally accompanying or associated | |
sine qua non - /ˌsɪni kwɑː ˈnəʊn,ˌsʌɪni kweɪ ˈnɒn/ - an essential condition; a thing that is absolutely necessary | |
cogent /ˈkəʊdʒ(ə)nt/ - (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing | |
nug - n. (plural nugs) (slang) A piece of marijuana | |
dreck /drɛk/ - rubbish; trash | |
nonpareil /ˌnɒnpəˈreɪl/ - having no match or equal; unrivalled | |
brawn /brɔːn/ - physical strength in contrast to intelligence | |
what can i do you for? | |
garland /ˈɡɑːlənd/ - a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration | |
ditty - A simple song | |
Yak shaving - seemingly endless series of small tasks that have to be completed before the next step in a project can move forward | |
dour /ˈdʊə,ˈdaʊə/ - relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance | |
eidetic /ʌɪˈdɛtɪk/ - relating to or denoting mental images having unusual vividness and detail, as if actually visible (eidetic memory) | |
imputation /ɪmpjuːˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ - a charge or claim that someone has done something undesirable; an accusation | |
do /duː/ - have sexual intercourse with | |
plunger /ˈplʌn(d)ʒə/ - a device consisting of a rubber cup on a long handle, used to clear blocked pipes by means of suction. | |
balderdash /ˈbɔːldədaʃ/ - senseless talk or writing; nonsense | |
casus belli /ˌkɑːsʊs ˈbɛli/ - an act or situation that provokes or justifies a war | |
lithe /lʌɪð/ - (especially of a person's body) thin, supple, and graceful. | |
putative /ˈpjuːtətɪv/ - generally considered or reputed to be | |
penknife | |
jiffy | |
wilding wolf | |
heart-rending /ˈhɑrtˌrɛn dɪŋ/ - adj. causing great sadness or distress | |
rend /rɛnd/ - v. to separate into parts with force or violence | |
cot | |
seigniorage | |
deign | |
put the capper upon | |
bite out | |
unctuous | |
hawkers | |
snigger | |
waifish | |
vacuously | |
niggling | |
drayage | |
gypped | |
indelible /ɪnˈdɛlɪb(ə)l/ - (of ink or a pen) making marks that cannot be removed; not able to be forgotten | |
pollyannaish - optimistic outlook and a determined cheeriness, it also implies that this attitude is taken too far | |
valence /ˈveɪl(ə)ns/ - relating to or denoting electrons involved in or available for chemical bond formation | |
flake - informal, (n. am.) - a crazy or eccentric person; an unreliable person | |
avarice /ˈav(ə)rɪs/ - extreme greed for wealth or material gain | |
open the floor for questions - allow people to ask questions in a large meeting | |
thunderation - (US, colloquial) An exclamation of surprise, agitation or petulance. | |
sesh - Short form of session. A period of time spent engaged in some group activity. | |
inimitable /ɪˈnɪmɪtəb(ə)l/ - Defying imitation; matchless. Not imitable; incapable of being imitated or copied; surpassing imitation. | |
queso - Melted cheese, used for instance as a dipping sauce | |
maudlin - môd′lĭn - Effusively sad or full of self-pity; extremely sentimental | |
gnash - To snap, grate, or grind (the teeth) together, as in anger or pain. | |
pith /pɪθ/ - the spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of many higher plants; the essence of something (ukr: серцевина) | |
pithy /ˈpɪθi/ - (of language or style) terse and vigorously expressive | |
shazbot - /ˈʃɑ zbɒt/ (interjection) - An excited utterance used to convey disappointment, particularly as a euphemism for shit | |
played out - /ˌpleɪd ˈaʊt/ - used or seen too many times before so no longer interesting | |
chapeau /ˈʃapəʊ/ - a hat or cap, typically a red one with an ermine lining, on which the crests of some peers are borne | |
hoe-down - /ˈhəʊdaʊn/ - a social gathering at which lively folk dancing takes place | |
pony up - to pay (money) especially in settlement of an account | |
ward /wɔːd/ - n. a child or young person under the care and control of a guardian appointed by their parents or a court; (hist.) an area of ground enclosed by the encircling walls of a fortress or castle | |
ward /wɔːd/ - v. (arch.) guard; protect; | |
talk shop - discuss matters concerning one's work, especially at a social occasion when this is inappropriate | |
pissant /ˈpɪsant/ - an insignificant or contemptible person or thing | |
provenance /ˈprɒv(ə)nəns/ - the place of origin or earliest known history of something | |
equestrian /ɪˈkwɛstrɪən,ɛˈkwɛstrɪən/ - relating to horse riding | |
palpitation /palpɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ - a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation, exertion, or illness. | |
prattle /ˈprat(ə)l/ - talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way | |
cock-up - something done badly or inefficiently | |
scrub up well - said about someone when they have made an effort to look nice | |
flutter /ˈflʌtə/ - (UK) a small bet | |
remand /rɪˈmɑːnd/ - place (a defendant) on bail or in custody, especially when a trial is adjourned | |
up to scratch - up to the required standard; satisfactory | |
bunting /ˈbʌntɪŋ/ - flags and other colourful festive decorations | |
convivial /kənˈvɪvɪəl/ - (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable | |
polverine \ˈpälvəˌrēn\ - a potash or pearl ash from the Levant used in making fine glass | |
unitard - skintight, one-piece garment with long legs and sometimes long sleeves, usually stopping at the wrists and ankles | |
wad /wɒd/ - a bundle or roll of paper or banknotes | |
bump fuzzies - to have sex | |
bedazzle /bɪˈdaz(ə)l/ - decorate or personalize (clothing or accessories) using sequins, beads, glitter, etc | |
gaggle /ˈɡaɡ(ə)l/ - a disorderly group of people; a flock of geese | |
swizzle /ˈswɪz(ə)l/ - stir (a drink) | |
room /ruːm,rʊm/ - v. (n. am.) share a room, house, or flat, especially a rented one at a college or similar institution | |
put something down - suppress a rebellion, coup, or riot by force | |
thistle /ˈθɪs(ə)l/ - plant of the daisy family, which typically has a prickly stem and leaves and rounded heads of purple flowers | |
Jiminy /ˈdʒɪmɪni/ - (exclamation) used in phrases as an expression of surprise | |
cowboy up - (informal, u.s.) make a determined effort to overcome an obstacle or deal with a difficult situation. | |
putz /pʊts,pʌts/ - (n.am.) n. 1 a stupid or worthless person 2 a man's penis v. engage in inconsequential or unproductive activity | |
effervescent - /ɛfəˈvɛsənt/ 1 (of a liquid) giving off bubbles; fizzy; 2 vivacious and enthusiastic | |
catfish /ˈkatfɪʃ/ - (u.s.) lure (someone) into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona | |
proposition /prɒpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/ - make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone), especially in an unsubtle way | |
tee up - make detailed arrangements or preparations. stage, arrange - plan, organize, and carry out (an event) | |
turndown service - practice of staff entering a guest's room and "turning down" the bed linen of the bed in the room, preparing the bed for use | |
Lent - "long fasting" christian holiday | |
belle (b. of the ball) - /bɛl/ a beautiful girl or woman, especially the most beautiful at a particular event | |
taffeta /ˈtafɪtə/ - a fine lustrous silk or similar synthetic fabric with a crisp texture | |
Poindexter /ˈpɔɪndɛkstə/ - a boringly studious and socially inept person | |
wig out - become deliriously excited; go completely wild | |
buckaroo /ˌbʌkəˈruː/ - (n.am., dated) a cowboy (from Spanish vaca ‘cow’) | |
bop /bɒp/ - dance to pop music; move or travel energetically | |
coiffure [kwä-fyoo͝r′] - a person's hairstyle | |
coif /kwɑːf/ (n.am.) short for coiffure | |
guffaw /ɡəˈfɔː/ - a loud and hearty laugh | |
whoop it up - enjoy oneself or celebrate in a noisy way | |
chortle /ˈtʃɔːt(ə)l/ - laugh in a noisy, gleeful way | |
kooky /ˈkʊki,ˈkuːki/ - strange or eccentric | |
snortle - A hearty laugh that is punctuated by a snort on the inhale | |
fabulosity (informal + often humorous) - fabulous quality, state, or nature | |
vittle (victual) /ˈvɪt(ə)l/ - food or provisions | |
streamer /ˈstriːmə/ - a long, narrow strip of material used as a decoration or symbol | |
fantabulous - excellent; wonderful | |
wallop /ˈwɒləp/ - v To beat forcefully; thrash 2 To strike with a hard blow | |
withers /ˈwɪðəz/ - highest point of horse's body | |
Land sakes! - A mild exclamation of surprise, alarm, dismay, annoyance, or exasperation | |
joshing, josh - v. To tease (someone) good-humoredly; tease (someone) in a playful way; engage in joking or playful talk with others. | |
Soul patch - small beard patch | |
lickety-split /ˌlɪkətɪˈsplɪt/ as fast as possible | |
hunker down - 1: to lower the body to the ground by bending the legs; 2: to stay in a place for a period of time | |
fussbudget /ˈfʌsbʌdʒət/ noun a fussy person | |
tarnation /tɑːˈneɪʃ(ə)n/ - noun · used as a euphemism for ‘damnation’ | |
skedaddle /skɪˈdad(ə)l/ - depart quickly or hurriedly; run away | |
spell /spɛl/ n. a short period | |
fussy /ˈfʌsi/ hard to please | |
prissy /ˈprɪsi/ fussily and excessively respectable | |
frou-frou /ˈfruːfruː/ frills or other ornamentation, particularly of women's clothes | |
consarn-it - DAMN —a mild imprecation | |
persnickety /pəˈsnɪkɪti/ = fussy | |
patootie /pəˈtuːti/ (informal, n.am.) a person's or animal's buttocks | |
fix(ing) /fɪks/ - be intending or planning to do something | |
maraca - rumba shaker | |
peachy /ˈpiːtʃi/ very satisfactory; fine | |
hightail /ˈhʌɪteɪl/ move or travel fast | |
cinch /sɪn(t)ʃ/ an extremely easy task; (n.am.) a sure thing; a certainty | |
gilding the lily - describes the process of adorning or embellishing something that is already beautiful or already perfect | |
pudge /pʌdʒ/ fat on a person's body | |
cat's pajamas / the cat's whiskers - an excellent person or thing | |
dud /dʌd/ - clothes | |
armscye /ˈɑrmzˌaɪ/ - is the armhole, the fabric edge to which the sleeve is sewn | |
middy collar/blouse (midshipman) - sailor-style clothes | |
shawl /ʃɔːl/ - a piece of fabric worn by women over the shoulders or head or wrapped round a baby | |
lapel /ləˈpɛl/ - the part on each side of a coat or jacket immediately below the collar which is folded back on either side of the front opening | |
hem /hɛm/ - the edge of a piece of cloth or clothing which has been turned under and sewn | |
pleat /pliːt/ - a double or multiple fold in a garment or other item made of cloth, held by stitching the top or side | |
toile /twɑːl/ - an early version of a finished garment made up in cheap material so that the design can be tested and perfected | |
prêt-à-porter /ˌprɛtəˈpɔːteɪ/ - (of designer clothes) sold ready-to-wear as opposed to made to measure | |
haute couture /ˌəʊt kʊˈtjʊə/ - French, literally ‘high dressmaking’ Expensive, fashionable clothes produced by leading fashion houses | |
croup /kruːp/ - the rump or hindquarters, especially of a horse | |
dock /dɒk/ - the solid bony or fleshy part of an animal's tail, excluding the hair | |
haunch /hɔːn(t)ʃ /a buttock and thigh considered together, in a human or animal | |
hoity-toity /hɔɪtɪˈtɔɪti/ haughty or snobbish | |
youngin - A young one: a youth, a child, a kid, young person | |
mingy /ˈmɪn(d)ʒi/ mean; undesirably small | |
pizzazz /pɪˈzaz/ an attractive combination of vitality and glamour | |
sequin /ˈsiːkwɪn/ a small shiny disc sewn on to clothing for decoration | |
frisk /frɪsk/ (of a police officer or other official) pass the hands over (someone) in a search for hidden weapons, drugs, or other items | |
huffy /ˈhʌfi/ - annoyed or irritated and quick to take offence at petty things | |
RSVP /ɑːrɛsviːˈpiː/ - répondez s'il vous plaît /rā-pōⁿ-dā-sēl-vü-ple/; please reply (used at the end of invitations to request a response) | |
hooie - (Southern US) An expression of relief | |
soirée /ˈswɑːreɪ/ - an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music | |
mite /mʌɪt/ - n. a very small amount; adv. a little; slightly | |
whoop /wʊp/ - n. a loud cry of joy or excitement; v. give or make a whoop | |
highfalutin /ˌhʌɪfəˈluːtɪn/ - adj. (especially of speech, writing, or ideas) pompous or pretentious | |
bobbing, bob /bɒb/ - make a quick, short movement up and down | |
demure /dɪˈmjʊə,dɪˈmjɔː/ - (of a woman or her behaviour) reserved, modest, and shy | |
pray tell (archaic) - Please explain (something the requester does not yet understand) | |
whelp /wɛlp/ n. (archaic) - a puppy; boy or young man (often as a disparaging form of address) | |
boobery - n. (inf.) folly; stupidity. | |
zesty - having a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy flavor. : lively and pleasing : full of zest. | |
tardy /ˈtɑːdi/ - delaying or delayed beyond the right or expected time; late | |
dodo /ˈdəʊdəʊ/ - an old-fashioned and ineffective person (from Portuguese doudo ‘simpleton’) | |
peachy keen /ˈpiːtʃɪ kiːn/ - very satisfactory; fine | |
plumb out - being completely and totally out of something | |
snooty /ˈsnuːti/ - showing disapproval or contempt towards others, especially those considered to belong to a lower social class | |
break rank (or ranks) - (of soldiers or police officers) fail to remain in line; fail to maintain solidarity | |
bedraggled /bɪˈdraɡ(ə)ld/ - dishevelled | |
draggle /ˈdraɡ(ə)l/ - make (something) dirty or wet, typically by trailing it through mud or water | |
unhand /ʌnˈhand/ (ARCHAIC•HUMOROUS) - release (someone) from one's grasp | |
malarkey /məˈlɑːki/ - meaningless talk; nonsense | |
ornery /ˈɔːnəri/ - adj. (inf. n.am.) bad-tempered or difficult to deal with | |
denature /diːˈneɪtʃə/ - take away or alter the natural qualities of | |
reify /ˈriːɪfʌɪ,ˈreɪɪfʌɪ/ - make (something abstract) more concrete or real | |
for a lark/on a lark - something that is done on the spur of the moment, something that is done spontaneously and for fun | |
far out - unconventional or avant-garde | |
gawk /ɡɔːk/ v. - stare openly and stupidly | |
caboose /kəˈbuːs/ - (n.am.) a railway wagon with accommodation for the train crew, typically attached to the end of the train | |
darn-tootin' - adj. Absolutely correct; speaking the truth | |
shake a leg - (inf.) make a start; rouse oneself | |
purty /ˈpəːti/ - non-standard spelling of pretty, used to represent dialect speech | |
hot diggity /hɒt ˈdɪɡəti/ - exclamation (inf. u.s.) - used to express excitement or delight | |
buck /bʌk/ - a vertical jump performed by a horse, with the head lowered, back arched, and back legs thrown out behind | |
window-shopping - look at goods displayed in shop windows without buying anything | |
fiddlesticks - violin bow; used to express disagreement or to say that something is nonsense | |
flibbertigibbet /ˌflɪbətɪˈdʒɪbɪt/ - a frivolous, flighty, or excessively talkative person | |
plum tuckered out - (south u.s.) - exhausted | |
hankering /ˈhaŋk(ə)rɪŋ/ n. - a strong desire to have or do something | |
put down stakes - claim a property | |
humdinger /hʌmˈdɪŋə/ (u.s.) - a remarkable or outstanding person or thing of its kind | |
Animals: | |
elk /ɛlk/ - n. (n.am.) another term for wapiti; a red deer of a large race native to North America | |
porpoise /ˈpɔːpəs/ - a small toothed whale with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout | |
Meadowlark | |
Toco toucan | |
Wallaroo | |
Wallaby | |
macaw /məˈkɔː/ - a large long-tailed parrot with brightly coloured plumage, native to Central and South America | |
Foods: | |
cobbler /ˈkäblər/ - n. (n.am.) a dessert consisting of fruit baked in a deep dish with a thick, cake-like crust on top | |
cantaloupe /ˈkantəluːp/ - a small round melon of a variety with orange flesh and ribbed skin | |
Parmigiana /ˌpɑːmɪˈdʒɑːnə/ - adj. (of a dish) cooked or served with Parmesan cheese | |
chowder /ˈtʃaʊdə/ - n. a rich soup typically containing fish, clams, or corn with potatoes and onions | |
Razzleberry | |
chimichanga | |
Tandoori | |
pulled pork - American barbecue dish, more specifically a dish of the Southern U.S., based on shredded barbecued pork shoulder | |
flapjack /ˈflapdʒak/ - pancake | |
potpourri /pəʊˈpʊəri/ - a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl to perfume a room; a mixture or medley of things | |
Smörgåsbord - Smörgåsbord is a type of Scandinavian meal, originating in Sweden, served buffet-style with multiple hot and cold dishes of various foods on a table. |
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