The Outsiders Chapters 3-4

Reckon Verb expect, believe, or suppose “I reckon it never occurred to you that your brothers might be worrying their heads off and afraid to call the police because something like that could get you two thrown in a boys’ home so quick it’d make your head spin.”

Reputation noun the state of being held in high esteem and honor “We could have hurt her reputation.”

Stagger verb To walk as if unable to control one's movements “Five Socs were coming straight at us, and from the way they were staggering I figured they were reeling pickled.”

Clutch verb To hold firmly, usually with one's hands “He was clutching his switchblade, and it was dark to the hilt.”

Tension noun a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense “I felt the tension growing inside of me and I knew something had to happen or I would explode.”

Defiance noun a hostile challenge open resistance to an opposing force or authority “Yet in his hard face there was character, pride, and a savage defiance of the world.”

Sophisticated adjective having worldly knowledge and refinement “You greasers have a different set of values. You’re more emotional. We’re sophisticated—cool to the point of not feeling anything.”

Elite noun a group or class of persons enjoying superior status “And,” Two-Bit added grimly, “a few other of the socially elite checkered-shirt set.”

Apprehensive adjective in fear or dread of possible evil or harm “He was pretty well crocked, which made me apprehensive.”

Frustration noun a feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized “I felt hot tears of anger and frustration rising.”