The Outsiders by S E Hinton Vocabulary EQ

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Vocabulary EQ: What vocabulary terms do I need to know when reading The Outsiders?

Madras • Definition: cotton, plaid material (for clothing) • From text: “He had on a madras shirt. I can still see it. Blue madras. ” (p. 8)

Cowlick • Definition: an unruly tuft of hair • From text: “He had dark hair that kicks out in front and a sight cowlick in the back – just like Dad’s …. ” (p. 9)

Unfathomable • Definition: difficult or impossible to understand • From text: “He like fights, blonds, and for some unfathomable reason, school. ” (p. 12)

Roguishly • Definition: playfully mischievous; devilishly • From text: “Dally grinned roguishly. I’m never nice. Want a Coke? ” (p. 22)

Incredulous • Definition: skeptical (having doubts); disbelieving • From text: “She gave him an incredulous look; and then she threw her Coke in his face. ” (p. 24)

Nonchalantly • Definition: coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual • From text: “We had picked up two girls, and classy ones at that. Not any greasey broads for us, but real Socs. . ‘Okay, ’ I said nonchalantly, ‘might as well. ’” (p. 25)

Gallantly • Definition: brave; courageous; dashing • From text: “Two-Bit gallantly offered to walk them home. . . ” (p. 24)

Aloofness • Definition: indifference; emotional distance • From text: “Socs were always behind a wall of aloofness, careful not the let their real selves show through. ” (p. 36)

Elite • Definition: privileged; the best of a class • From text: “Who is it? asked Two-Bit. The FBI? ” ”No, ” Cherry said bleakly, “it’s Randy and Bob. ” “And, ” Two-Bit added grimly, “a few other of the socially elite checkered-shirt set. ” (p. 38)

Defiance • Definition: bold resistance (to authority) • From text: “Yet in his hard face there was character, pride, and a savage defiance of the world. ” (p. 54)

feeling or showing deep hatred or disapproval; feeling or showing contemptuously Scornfully Disrespectfully Condescendingly “I hated them as bitterly and as contemptuously as Dally Winston hated. “ (p. 101) Respectfully Politely Humbly

feeling or showing doubt about doing something : not willing or eager to do something Adverse Hesitant Uncertain Wary reluctant “I put the book down reluctantly. ” (p. 63) Confident Definite Willing

Failed to be remembered or understood; escaped from memory Baffle Dumbfound Befuddle puzzle eluded Enlighten Aid Clarify “I was trying to find the meaning the poet had in mind, but it eluded me. ” (p. 69)

a person who is very enthusiastic about something Enthusiast Fanatic Follower fiend Opponent Critic Adversary “I’m what you might call a Pepsi addict. I drink them like a fiend …” (p. 70)

to fall in or as if in a faint — usually used with over Plunge Collapse Overturn Topple keeled “You just keeled over from smoke inhalation and a little shock – of course, that slap on the back didn’t help much. ” (p. 84) Ascend Increase Rise

Struck with fear Stunned Shocked Appalled unsurprised Aghast “Work? ” Two-Bit was aghast. “And ruin my rep? ” (p. 99)

To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture Copied Resembled Simulated Be original Differ Mimicked “He grabbed one guy’s press hat and another’s camera and walked around interviewing nurses and mimicking TV reporters. ” (p. 89)