buffoon | |
Definition: | (noun) A person given to clowning and joking. |
Synonyms: | merry andrew, clown, goof, goofball |
Usage: | At a country fair there was a buffoon who made all the people laugh by imitating the cries of various animals. |
Vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess! Charles Dickens (1812-1870) |
charwoman | |
Definition: | (noun) A woman hired to do cleaning or similar work, usually in a large building. |
Synonyms: | cleaning lady |
Usage: | The charwoman cleaned every bathroom in the office building after the executives left for the evening. |
The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) |
figurine | |
Definition: | (noun) A small molded or sculptured figure; a statuette. |
Synonyms: | statuette |
Usage: | She had all the delicate grace of that Tanagra figurine that you have in your studio, Basil. |
I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) |
nickelodeon | |
Definition: | (noun) A cabinet containing an automatic record player; records are played by inserting a coin. |
Synonyms: | jukebox |
Usage: | When they arrived at the dance hall, the professional musicians were dismayed by the presence of the popular nickelodeon. |
To enjoy freedom we have to control ourselves. Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) |
Definition: | (noun) A narrow high chest of drawers or bureau, often with a mirror attached. |
Synonyms: | commode |
Usage: | Against the wall stood an exquisite chiffonier, on which were resting some cut-glass decanters and goblets. |
It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered.
Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC)
condescending | |
Definition: | (adjective) Displaying a patronizingly superior attitude. |
Synonyms: | patronizing, arch |
Usage: | Sir William, no doubt, meant to be kind, but he was cold and condescending, and not a little pompous and conceited. |
Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud. Sophocles (496 BC-406 BC) |