| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| flagitious |
viciously or shamefully wicked; infamous. |
| frangible |
easy to break; breakable; fragile. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |