January Flashcards
What is a nimbus?
A type of cloud
OR
a ring of light surrounding a person in a piece of art
The light created a nimbus around her
How would you describe a ring of light around someone?
Nimbus
Kvetch
From Yiddish
- a noun: a person who complains a great deal
* “she emerges as something of a kvetch, constantly nagging Rick”* - a noun: a complaint
* “‘They don’t make ‘em like they used to’ has become an all-purpose kvetch”* - a verb: to compain
* “Jane’s kvetching about her crummy existence”*
how might you describe someone who complains?
A kvetch
- She’s somewhat of a kvetch*
- I don’t mean to kvetch*
Malcontent
Malcontent
a person who is chronically dissatisfied, often about society. they can be rebellious.
- “it was too late to stop the malcontents with a show of force”*
- “the protest was just full of millenial malcontents”*
In theatre:
A malcontent is a character who is discontent with the social structure and other characters in the play—and is often an outsider who observes and comments on the action, and may even acknowledge they are in a play.
Temerity
Temerity
Excessive confidence or boldness, audacity, brazenness
- “no one had the temerity to question his conclusions”*
- “I wish I had her temerity”*
Temere = rashly
Excessive confidence or boldness, audacity, brazenness
Temerity
Pillory
A wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse.
- He found himself pilloried by his own party.*
- There’s no need to pillory me!*
How would you describe being publically shamed?
Pilloried
Pillory -
A wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which offenders were formerly imprisoned and exposed to public abuse.
- He found himself pilloried by his own party.*
- There’s no need to pillory me!*
‘Mea culpa’
A Latin phrase that means “through my fault” and is an acknowledgement of having done wrong.
Comes from a prayer of confession in the Catholic Church. Said by itself, it’s an exclamation of apology or remorse that is used to mean “It was my fault” or “I apologize.” Mea culpa is also a noun, however.
What is a phrase to use when admiting fault?
Mea culpa
What is a word to describe an expert / someone who is enthusastic about something?
Aficionado
a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
- “a crossword aficionado”*
- She’s become quite the grammar aficionado*
venerate
venerate
to regard with great respect; revere.
- He was venerated as a saint*
- In a society which venerates alcohol*
etymology - latin ‘venerat’ = ‘revere’
Think venerate looks like revere
What is a word to describe to regard with great respect?
To venerate
to regard with great respect; revere.
- He was venerated as a saint*
- In a society which venerates alcohol*
etymology - latin ‘venerat’ = ‘revere’
Think venerate looks like revere
overwrought
overwrought
in a state of nervous excitement or anxiety.
- “she was too overwrought to listen to reason”*
- “the goals diary, to begin with, made me feel overwrought”*
(of a piece of writing or a work of art) too elaborate or complicated in design or construction.
- “a pseudo-Gothic church far too overwrought for such a small town”*
- “the house seems far to overwrought for the street”*
