| argot |
the vocabulary or jargon characteristic of a specific group or class, especially of criminals. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |
| uxorial |
of, pertaining to, or befitting a wife. |