The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Vocabulary EQ: What vocabulary terms do I need to know when reading The Outsiders?

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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