Vocab List 10 (Cuckoo's Nest)

Gripe

Informal. to complain naggingly or constantly; grumble.

Matriarchy

a family, society, community, or state governed by women

Platitude

a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound.

Braggart

a person who does a lot of bragging.

Jetty

a pier or structure of stones, piles, or the like, projecting into the sea or other body of water to protect a harbor, deflect the current, etc.

Bedlam

a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.

Hovel

a small, very humble dwelling house; a wretched hut.

Giddy

affected with vertigo; dizzy

Gaff

an iron hook with a handle for landing large fish

Sadistic

any enjoyment in being cruel; extreme cruelty

Bile

bitter, alkaline, yellow or greenish liquid, secreted by the liver, that aids in absorption and digestion, esp. of fats. or ill temper; peevishness.

Halcyon

calm; peaceful; tranquil

Chronic

constant; habitual; inveterate

Ramshackle

loosely made or held together; rickety; shaky

Maudlin

tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental

Lobotomy

the operation of cutting into a lobe, as of the brain or the lung.

Prototype

the original or model on which something is based or formed.

Ornery

ugly and unpleasant in disposition or temper

Notororious

widely and unfavorably known