noun

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Good / Smart

wonk - A person who takes an excessive interest in minor details of political policy

Rachel Maddow is a policy wonk on TV who walks her audience through the minor details of legislation and current events.

noun

2 of 60

Other / Other

puffery - Exaggerated or false praise

The small coffee shop's sign was pure puffery that advertised the "world's best coffee."

verb

3 of 60

Other / Up+Down

flick - To hit or move something/ someone with a quick movement of the thumb and fore-finger.

James realised the safest way to remove the spider from Jennifer’s shoulder, was to flick it off.

noun

4 of 60

Bad / Unfriendly

flak - Strong criticism

The way Donald Trump lashes out at 'fake news' is an example of the way that he doesn't take flak from anyone.

noun

5 of 60

Bad / Mistake

glitch - A sudden, unexpected, and usually temporary malfunction of equipment such as a computer

The space shuttle take-off was canceled with 2 seconds left in the countdown, due to a glitch discovered in the fuel supply.

noun

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Bad / Steal

heist - A robbery

Putting on their masks and loading their guns, the bank robbers knew the heist was imminent.

verb

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Good / Friendly

hobnob - To mix socially, especially with those of higher social status

The social event was Terry's chance to hobnob with other people in his industry.

noun

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Bad / Mistake

dud - A thing that fails to work properly or is otherwise unsatisfactory or worthless

The firework turned out to be a dud when it landed back on the ground.

verb

See noun

9 of 60

Other / Sound

screech - (of a person or animal) give a loud, harsh, piercing cry

Despite its majestic beauty, the eagle screeched so loudly that it seemed out of character.

noun

10 of 60

Bad / Mistake

fiasco - A thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way

In the 1980s, Coca-Cola released New Coke, which ended up being one of the costliest business fiascos ever.

adjective

11 of 60

Bad / Dishonest

bogus - Not real or genuine - fake or false (used in a disapproving manner when deception has been attempted)

Mr. and Mrs. Smith had suspected all along that the letter offering Oklahoma land for $100 an acre had been totally bogus.

noun

12 of 60

Good / Happy

mirth - Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter

The night was full of mirth as the friends laughed at each other's jokes.

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