Vocabulary

Staid – characterized be sedate dignity and often a strait-laced sense of propriety; sober

Poignant – keenly distressing in the mind or feelings

Grist – something that can be used to advantage

Anathema – a vehement denunciation; a curse

Ponce – (offensive slang (chiefly British English)) 1. a man who is effeminate in his manner and fussy in the way he dresses, 2. the same as a pimp; someone who procures customers for whores

Insular – suggestive of the isolated life of an island

Adulation – excessive flattery or admiration

Octomom

If you look in the dictionary under the word "selfish," a picture of a smiling Nadya Suleman would appear.

More vocabulary from Morrissey

"in excelsis" – in the highest degree

Ashen – resembling ashes, especially in color; vary pale: "A face ashen with grief."

Jingoism – chauvinistic patriotism

Prurient – inordinately interested in matters of sex; lascivious

Imbue – to inspire, permeate, or invade

Moot – to bring up as a subject for debate

Fey – having or displaying an otherworldly, magical, or fairylike aspect or quality

Sacrosanct – regarded as sacred and inviolable

Ebullient – zestfully enthusiastic

Effusive – unrestrained or excessive in emotional expression; gushy

Monastic- strictly disciplined or regimented

Drivel – stupid or senseless talk

Umbrage – offense; resentment

Fabulous Quote

I read this on Dr. Laura's blog. It was the "quote of the week."

"If you can't be a good example, then you'll have to be a horrible warning."

-Catherine Aird, a British crime fiction novelist.

New Book!

It's been a while since I learned any new vocabulary words. A long time ago, I told myself that I should always be reading at least one book. It's been 3 months since my last book. The Virgin store on Market Street is going out of business and I made my friend buy me "Morrissey in Conversation: The Essential Interviews." It was 25% off.

Here's what I learned today:

 

Dominion – a territory or sphere of influence of control or influence; a realm

Vehemently – characterized by forcefulness of expression or intensity of emotion or conviction; fervid

Perfunctory – done routinely and with little interest or care; acting with indifference

Messmate – a person with whom one eats regularly

Ensue - to follow closely after something; to be a consequence of something

Laconically – using or marked by the use of few words; concise

Dole – grief

Throng – a large group of people gathered or crowded closely together; a multitude

Vitriol – bitterly abusive feeling or expression

Sardonic – scornfully or cynically mocking

Salvoes – a sudden outburst as of cheers or praise; a forceful verbal or written assault

Pablum – trite, insipid, or simplistic writing or speech

Moniker – (slang) a personal name or nickname