| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| goad |
something that spurs a person to action; stimulus. |
| gullible |
believing almost anything; easily tricked. |
| invidious |
tending to arouse feelings of resentment or animosity, especially because of a slight; offensive or discriminatory. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| liminal |
of or at the threshold of a physiological or psychological response or change of state. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |