AP Lang - Vocab Week 5-6

Molly Coddle

treat (someone) in an __indulgent__ or __overprotective__ way.

Chutzpah

extreme self-confidence or audacity.

Bupkis

nothing.

Carte blanche

complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best

Prima donna

a very __temperamental__ person with an __inflated__ view of their own talent or importance.

Faux pas

an __embarrassing__ or __tactless__ act or __remark__ in a social situation.

Aficionado

a person who is very knowledgeable and __enthusiastic__ about an activity, subject, or __pastime__.

Raison d’etre

the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence

Understatement

the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Malapropism

the __mistaken__ use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with __unintentionally__ __amusing__ effect

Satire

the use of humor, irony, __exaggeration__, or ridicule to expose and __criticize__ people's __stupidity__ or vices

Litote

understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of the contrary (ex. not a bad singer)

Sarcasm

the use of irony to mock or __convey__ __contempt__.

Irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally __signifies__ the opposite, typically for __humorous__ or __emphatic__ effect.

Euphemism

a mild or indirect word or expression __substituted__ for one considered to be too harsh or __blunt__ when referring to something __unpleasant__ or embarrassing

Dysphemism

a __derogatory__ or __unpleasant__ term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one, such as “loony bin” for “mental hospital.”.

Snark

an __imaginary__ animal (used to refer to someone or something that is difficult to track down)

Hyperbole

__exaggerated__ statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Paradox

a seemingly __absurd__ or self-contradictory statement or __proposition__ that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true

Novel

new

Profound

very great or intense.

Prolific

present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful

Hackneyed

lacking significance through having been overused; __unoriginal__ and __trite__

Ephemeral

lasting for a very short time.

Referendum

a general vote by the __electorate__ on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Pragmatic

dealing with things __sensibly__ and __realistically__ in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

Luminaries

a person who __inspires__ or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere