Fiske Word Power 13-15
gaffe
a blunder, an awkward social moment
gadfly
a person who acts as a provocative stimulus
decorum
a pleasing set of manners and awareness of what is considered proper within any one social group
caryatid
a structural column sculpted in the form of a draped female figure
brazen
able to undergo adversity with bold self-assurance
churl
bad disposition or surliness
resolute
bold and determined, unwavering in purpose
cheeky
charming word for imprudently bold
toothsome
delicious or luscious, as in a tasty meal, or sexually attractive and exciting
finesse
denotes refinements and subtlety in a gives situation
seemly
describes behavior that is appropriate, fitting the accepted rules of conduct
jejune
dull, bland, or uninteresting--typically describes speech and writing
temerity
extreme boldness, exhibits a foolish disregard for danger
intrepid
fearlessly brave
audacity
fearlessly, often recklessly, daring
niggardly
frugal
hoary
gray- or white-haired--old
pulchritude
great beauty
protocol
names the codes of expected behavior in any given situation
undaunted
not discouraged or disheartened
adventitious
not inherent, or coming from an external source
propriety
observation of existing social norms
nuance
refers to a subtle or slight variation and to sensitivity to those variations
iconoclastic
seeks to overthrow popular ideas or institutions
boor
someone with no social sense, with rude or non-existent manners
forte
something at which a person excels
piebald
spotted or patchy, especially in black and white
fortitude
the strength of mind to endure pain or difficulty with courage
savoir faire
to know what to do
restive
to resist control or be impatient under restriction