Nickel and Dimed Vocabulary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'neophyte'?

A person who has just started learning or doing something (correct)

A difficult and unpleasant task

Feeling a desire to help others

A foul-smelling substance

Which of the following best describes a 'Marxist'?

A supporter of Karl Marx's theories (correct)

A type of meal

Someone who avoids telling the truth

A foul-smelling substance

What does the term 'ineradicably' mean?

Impossible to remove or forget (correct)

Easy to remove or forget

A type of social theory

Related to meals

The word 'erstwhile' means:

In the past Signup and view all the answers

What does 'onerous' mean?

Difficult and unpleasant Signup and view all the answers

The term 'mephitic' refers to something that is:

Foul-smelling Signup and view all the answers

What does 'altruistic' mean?

Feeling a desire to help others Signup and view all the answers

What does 'postprandial' mean?

Happening after a meal Signup and view all the answers

The word 'shamanistic' relates to:

The religion characterized by belief in unseen spiritual worlds Signup and view all the answers

What does 'prevarication' mean?

To avoid telling the truth Signup and view all the answers

What does 'aphasic' mean?

Loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words Signup and view all the answers

What are 'angstroms'?

A unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter Signup and view all the answers

What does 'eponymous' refer to?

Giving their name to something or being named after a particular person Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary Study Notes

Neophyte
- Refers to someone who has recently started learning or engaging in something.
- Example: Young journalists often begin their careers as neophytes.
Marxist
- Relates to the theories of Karl Marx, emphasizing class struggle as a driving historical force.
- Suggests the idea of a future classless society.
Ineradicably
- Describes something that cannot be removed or forgotten.
- Highlights perceptions of educated individuals as inherently superior.
Erstwhile
- Means "in the past" and is often used to describe former relationships or roles.
- Example: A past neighbor may evoke feelings of discomfort in new situations.
Onerous
- Refers to tasks that are difficult or unpleasant.
- Example: Job application processes can be notably burdensome and complex.
Mephitic
- Characterizes something as foul-smelling or noxious.
- Used to describe less-than-pleasant areas, such as certain kitchen environments.
Altruistic
- Describes behavior driven by a desire to help others, showcasing selflessness.
- Example: Many low-wage jobs require an altruistic approach in service to others.
Postprandial
- Refers to activities occurring after a meal.
- Associated with routines, such as cleaning up after dinner.
Shamanistic
- Pertains to shamanism, indicating a religious context involving unseen spiritual forces.
- Often describes powerful, commanding presences or personalities.
Prevarication
- Refers to the act of avoiding truthfulness, particularly in response to questions.
- Relevant in contexts requiring diplomacy or evasiveness in communication.
Aphasic
- Signifies impairment in the ability to use or understand words, typically due to brain damage.
- Illustrates feelings of confusion and helplessness in new environments.
Angstroms
- A unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter, often used in physics and chemistry.
- Example: Describes minute distances when discussing speed and safe passing on highways.
Eponymous
- Describes something that is named after a specific person or character.
- Commonly found in branding, associating products with famous figures or characters.

Description

Test your understanding of key vocabulary from Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Nickel and Dimed'. This quiz features terms and their definitions, helping you to deepen your grasp of the book's themes and ideas. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!