Hawthorne effect
noun: An improvement in workers’ performance attributed to the special attention they received when singled out for a study.
bastille
noun: A prison.
chamber of horrors
noun: A collection of horrifying things, ideas, people, etc.
Grand Guignol
noun: An event, entertainment, etc., of a sensational or horrific nature. adjective: Gruesome, grotesque, or horrifying.
tammany
adjective: Relating to political corruption.
flagship
noun: 1. A ship that carries the fleet commander and flies the commander’s flag. 2. The best or the most important of …
scabby
adjective: 1. Having scabs. 2. Mean or contemptible.
woolgathering
noun: 1. Daydreaming. 2. Absentmindedness.
sough
verb intr.: To make a moaning, sighing, whistling, murmuring, or rustling sound. noun: 1. Such a sound. 2. A rumor.
papier-mache
noun: A mixture of pulped paper, glue, etc., used in making sculptures, boxes, ornaments, etc. adjective: 1. Made of papier-mache. 2. Fragile; …
plight
noun: 1. An unfortunate situation. 2. A pledge. 3. A fold, wrinkle, braid, etc. Also called plait or pleat. verb tr.: 1. …
pillbox
noun: 1. A small container for pills. 2. A small fortified enclosure, used for firing weapons, observing, etc. 3. A small brimless …
cameo
noun: 1. A small sculpture carved in relief on a background of another color. 2. A short description, literary sketch, etc., that …
bruit
noun: 1. Rumor. 2. Report. 3. Noise. 4. An abnormal sound heard in internal organs in the body during auscultation. verb tr.: …
dobber
noun: 1. An informer. 2. In cricket, a bowler, especially a slow bowler. 3. A float for a fishing line. 4. A …
clicktivism
noun: The use of the Internet to signal support for a cause.
mousy
adjective: 1. Like a mouse in appearance, color, smell, etc. 2. Timid or shy. 3. Quiet or stealthy. 4. Dull or drab. …
rat race
noun: A repetitive competitive activity, such as the modern working life in which one constantly struggles to attain wealth, status, etc.
mouse potato
noun: Someone who lives a sedentary life, spending large amounts of leisure time playing computer games, surfing the net, streaming videos, etc.
myology
noun: 1. The study of muscles. 2. The muscular anatomy of a person or an animal.
extrality
noun: Exemption from local laws: the privilege of living in a foreign country, but subject only to the home country’s jurisdiction.
zounds
interjection: Used to express surprise or indignation.
blitz
noun: 1. A swift, sudden military attack, especially aerial bombardment. 2. An intense campaign, for example, an ad blitz. verb tr.: To …
lackadaisical
adjective: Lacking enthusiasm; indifferent; lazy.