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