noun

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Good / Exciting

flair - A special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well

Known for his overacting, William Shatner has been described as having a flair for the dramatic.

adjective

2 of 60

Good / Big

hifalutin - Expressed in or marked by the use of language that is elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means

The banker came down to the farm with his fancy and hifalutin words, but Xavier knew the bank just wanted to take his land away.

noun

3 of 60

Good / Busy

spate - A large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession

The politician's falling poll numbers were due to a spate of mistakes on her part.

noun

4 of 60

Bad / Stupid

patsy - A person who is easily taken advantage of, especially by being cheated or blamed for something

To many conspiracy theorists, Lee Harvey Oswald was simply a patsy who did not work alone when JFK was assassinated.

verb

See noun

5 of 60

Other / Sound

shriek - Utter a high-pitched piercing sound or words, especially as an expression of terror, pain, or excitement

Wendell shrieked when he found out he was getting his favorite toy for Christmas.

adjective

6 of 60

Good / Busy

frisky - Playful and full of energy

Janie's puppy was so frisky that playing with him was like a full-time job.

verb

7 of 60

Other / Sound

muffle - To make (a sound) quieter : to decrease the noise made by (something)

Anna muffled her ears with her hands so she wouldn't have to hear the loud noises from the construction workers.

verb

8 of 60

Bad / Disorganized

muss - To make someone's hair or clothes untidy or messy

Jeremiah would playfully muss his daughter's hair when he wanted to get her attention.

noun

9 of 60

Bad / Stupid

imp - A mischievous but harmless trouble maker

Charlie's mother shouted at him, "Stop jumping up and down on your bed and acting like a little imp, and try to be just a little serious and clean up your room."

noun

10 of 60

Good / Exciting

hoopla - Excitement surrounding an event or situation, especially when considered to be unnecessary fuss

Even though iPhone models rarely change much every year, the hoopla surrounding them always leads to long lines of customers.

verb

11 of 60

Bad / Delay

linger - To stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave

The waiter and waitress staff needed to head home, but they first had to wait for the lingering customers to leave.

verb

12 of 60

Other / Body

pucker - To pull the sides of something, such as skin or cloth together so that folds or wrinkles are formed.

Alice puckered her lips after taking a bite of the sour lemon.