| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| bilge |
the rounded part of a ship's hull between the bottom and the sides. |
| boorish |
rude; ill-mannered; crude. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| garble |
to mix up, distort, or confuse (a message, translation, or the like); cause to be disordered or unintelligible. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| raffish |
carelessly unconventional or disreputable, sometimes appealingly so. |
| salacious |
excited by lust; lecherous. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |