The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Vocabulary

1. The Outsidersby S. E. HintonVocabulary EQ: What vocabulary terms do I need to know when reading The Outsiders?

2. Madras Definition: cotton, plaid material (for clothing) From text: “He had on a madras shirt. I can still see it. Blue madras.” (p.8)

3. Cowlick Definition: an unruly tuft of hair From text: “He had dark hair that kicks out in front and a sight cowlick in the back – just like Dad’s … .” (p.9)

4. Unfathomable Definition: difficult or impossible to understand From text: “He like fights, blonds, and for some unfathomable reason, school.” (p.12)

5. Roguishly Definition: playfully mischievous; devilishly From text: “Dally grinned roguishly. I’m never nice. Want a Coke?” (p.22)

6. Incredulous Definition: skeptical (having doubts); disbelieving From text: “She gave him an incredulous look; and then she threw her Coke in his face.” (p.24)

7. Nonchalantly Definition: coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual From text: “We had picked up two girls, and classy ones at that. Not any greasey broads for us, but real Socs. ... ‘Okay,’ I said nonchalantly, ‘might as well.’” (p.25)

8. Gallantly Definition: brave; courageous; dashing From text: “Two-Bit gallantly offered to walk them home ...” (p.24)

9. Aloofness Definition: indifference; emotional distance From text: “Socs were always behind a wall of aloofness, careful not the let their real selves show through.” (p.36)

10. Elite Definition: privileged; the best of a class From text: “Who is it? asked Two-Bit. The FBI?” ”No,” Cherry said bleakly, “it’s Randy and Bob.” “And,” Two-Bit added grimly, “a few other of the socially elite checkered-shirt set.” (p.38)

11. Defiance Definition: bold resistance (to authority) From text: “Yet in his hard face there was character, pride, and a savage defiance of the world.” (p.54)

12. feeling or showing deep hatred or disapproval; feeling or showing contempt contemptuously Respectfully Politely Humbly Scornfully Disrespectfully Condescendingly “I hated them as bitterly and as contemptuously as Dally Winston hated. “ (p. 101)

13. feeling or showing doubt about doing something : not willing or eager to do something reluctant Adverse Hesitant Uncertain Wary Confident Definite Willing “I put the book down reluctantly.” (p.63)

14. Failed to be remembered or understood; escaped from memory eluded Baffle Dumbfound Befuddle puzzle Enlighten Aid Clarify “I was trying to find the meaning the poet had in mind, but it eluded me.” (p.69)

15. a person who is very enthusiastic about something fiend Enthusiast Fanatic Follower Opponent Critic Adversary “I’m what you might call a Pepsi addict. I drink them like a fiend …” (p. 70)

16. to fall in or as if in a faint —usually used with over keeled Plunge Collapse Overturn Topple Ascend Increase Rise “You just keeled over from smoke inhalation and a little shock – of course, that slap on the back didn’t help much.” (p.84)

17. Aghast Struck with fear unsurprised Stunned Shocked Appalled “Work?” Two-Bit was aghast. “And ruin my rep?” (p. 99)

18. To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture Mimicked Be original Differ Copied Resembled Simulated “He grabbed one guy’s press hat and another’s camera and walked around interviewing nurses and mimicking TV reporters.” (p. 89)