| allusive |
abounding in or characterized by indirect references to culture, history, or other works of art, which are to be recognized or understood by the audience. |
| connotation |
a secondary meaning or implication of a word or expression, in addition to its primary meaning. |
| discredit |
to harm the reputation of. |
| enmity |
the mutual feeling of enemies toward each other; hatred; hostility; antagonism. |
| eulogize |
to speak or write high praise of, or make a formal tribute to (usually a dead person). |
| gratify |
to please; satisfy. |
| mores |
the behaviors and manners accepted and expected in a social group, embodying its fundamental moral standards. |
| mortify |
to subject (someone) to extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation. |
| parochial |
narrow or limited in scope or viewpoint; provincial. |
| risqué |
very close to indecency or indelicacy; sexually suggestive; racy. |
| rote |
unthinking or mechanical routine or habit. |
| splice |
to join (two pieces of film, tape, or similar things) at the ends. |
| stint |
to refrain from spending; to be sparing or frugal. |
| touchstone |
a test or standard by which to evaluate the worth of something. |
| uncharacteristic |
not typical of a particular person, group, or thing, and therefore notable. |