| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| knurled |
having small ridges. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| raffish |
carelessly unconventional or disreputable, sometimes appealingly so. |