Joy Luck Club Vocabulary

admonish

warn or scold gently

adversary

enemy or opponent

apathetic

not caring at all

benevolent

kind and generous

careen

tilt or swerve wildly

chastise

punish or criticize harshly

deft

skillful and quick

deplete

use up completely

diligent

hardworking and focused

docile

quiet and obedient

explicit

clear and direct

facade

false front or appearance

haughty

arrogant or full of pride

innuendo

indirect, often rude hint

jaunty

cheerful and confident

malignant

harmful or deadly

penance

act of making up for wrong

posterity

future generations

procure

get or obtain

pungent

strong, sharp smell or taste