The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) — Vocabulary
Kody Keplinger
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	7	top 1000
arrogantwith an excessive sense of superiority She is rude and arrogant.more Show sample from book Since when did I think that display of arrogance was cute?p.150.96 more arrogant → arrogance:an excessive sense of superiority Show general definition having an excessive sense of superiority
	6	top 1000
cynicalsomeone who expects the worst The experience made her overly cynical.more Show sample from book I know how cynical you are, and you're probably going to come up with some snarky reply when you read this, but the truth is, I'm chasing you because I really think I am falling in love with you.p.247.95 more expecting the worst of people Show general definition someone who expects the worst -- especially of people (such as expecting them to be selfish and lie)
	4	top 200
skepticaldoubtful I am skeptical about her plan.more Show sample from book I'd expected him to be just as skeptical about the nature of teenage love as I was.p.21.13 more Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile) or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe
	2	top 10
implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more Show sample from book I mean, he used sexy and Duffy — implying I was fat and ugly — in the same sentence.p.105.41 more imply → implying:saying indirectly Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	4	top 1000
naivenaive → naïve:lacking the understanding or sophistication that comes from experience She criticized America's naïve foreign policy.more Show sample from book She kept us balanced with that big smile and naive innocence that always shocked us.†p.97.83 more lacking experience or sophistication, and the understanding that comes from them Show general definition lacking experience or sophistication, and the understanding that comes from them -- often too trusting or optimistic
	5	top 2000
auburnreddish-brown Her long auburn hair shimmered in the afternoon sun.more Show sample from book He just looked like my dad with his thick-rimmed glasses and untidy auburn hair.p.87.64 more Show general definition for auburn (as in: auburn hair) colored a moderate reddish-brown -- especially of hair
	5	top 2000
harassharass → harasses:persistently bothers This man harasses his female co-workersmore Show sample from book He could tell I was grumpy, but instead of harassing me about the cause, he just squeezed my hand, kissed me on the cheek, and bought me candy in hopes of making me smile again.p.234.34 more harass → harassing:persistently annoying Show general definition to repeatedly bother or attack
	3	top 1000
ebbebb → ebbed:gradually declined The patient's strength ebbed away.more Show sample from book As I made the perfect piles, my mind cleared, my body relaxed, and my irritation from the night of loud music and obnoxious, rich, sex-obsessed pigs ebbed.†p.12.32 more ebb → ebbed:declined -- typically gradually as with the height of the tide Show general definition decline -- typically gradually as with the height of the tide
	2	top 1000
feignedpretended to She feigned sleep.more Show sample from book I was able to feign distraction — well, it wasn't entirely fake — when I noticed the folded piece of paper lying on my desk.†p.243.61 more feigned → feign:pretend (make a pretense of) Show general definition pretended -- usually pretending to feel something
	2	top 1000
compassionsympathy for another's suffering and wanting to help If I see one hungry child, I feel compassion, but when I hear of a million hungry children, I'm overwhelmed and turn my mind to other things.more Show sample from book About honesty and compassion and everything I'd never expected to find in Wesley Rush.†p.177.51 more Show general definition sympathy for another's suffering and wanting to help
	3	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book First, I was struck by the irony of that statement. I mean, he used sexy and Duffy — implying I was fat and ugly — in the same sentence. The contrast was almost laughable. Almost.p.105.42 more when things are together that seem like they don't belong together Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	3	top 2000
alcoverecessed (pushing outward from the main room) It is a beautiful room with an alcove window.more Show sample from book I stared as Wesley walked out of the alcove.†p.238.92 more a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show general definition a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show editor's word notes The alcove of a room is a smaller room attached to a larger room and separated by an arch or other architectural feature other than a door.
	3	top 2000
twingea sudden, short-lived feeling of pain I often feel a twinge at that tooth when I drink something cold.more Show sample from book Again, that twinge of jealousy overpowered me.†p.158.12 more a sudden, short-lived feeling of pain or emotion Show general definition a sudden, short-lived feeling of pain or emotion
	3	top 2000
omena sign of what would happen The sudden appearance of a black cat was considered an omen of bad luck by the superstitious villagers.more Show sample from book Normally, I don't believe in omens or signs or any of that destiny crap, but the similarities between my and Cathy Earnshaw's situations were too eerie to ignore.†p.252.62 more omen → omens:signs of what will happen in the future Show general definition a sign of something about to happen
	8
relapsereturn (to an undesirable previous condition) She returned to the hospital due to difficulty breathing after a relapse of the flu.more Show sample from book By the way she spoke, I could tell she had no idea he'd relapsed, that he'd touched a bottle.p.144.87 more relapse → relapsed:begun drinking again Show general definition to return to an undesirable previous condition -- especially illness, addiction, or bad behavior
	4
blithecarefree and happy She spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation.more Show sample from book Unfortunately, Mr. Blithe had lost what generosity he ever possessed after the divorce was finalized.†p.185.73 more Show general definition carefree and happy -- often unaware of or ignoring something that should be of concern
	4
hypocritesomeone who violates claimed moral standards She calls him a hypocrite for suggesting a green lifestyle except when it is personally inconvenient.more Show sample from book "You don't feel used?" "That would make me a huge hypocrite since I was kind of using you, too."p.272.53 more Show general definition someone who violates claimed moral standards
	4
neuroticexcessively concern She has a neurotic obsession with cleanliness.more Show sample from book I felt like myself when I was with him, whereas I was always trying to hide my neuroses around Toby.p.245.23 more neurotic → neuroses:mild mental disorders Show general definition mildly mentally disturbed -- usually worrying too much about something; or someone with such symptoms Show editor's word notes More formally, a neurotic might be described as someone with a mild personality disorder -- a neurosis not attributable to any known neurological or organic problem.
	3
atonemake up To atone for sins is a common religious theme.more Show sample from book So really, watching Atonement with my friends made me realize how thankful I should have been to be the Duff.†p.58.22 more atone → atonement:the process of fixing or making up for a wrong Show general definition to fix or make up for a wrong -- especially a sin (even if nothing can be done to make up for the wrong other than to show regret)
	2
lusciousrichly appealing The ripe, luscious peach dripped with sweet juice as she bit into the velvety skin.more Show sample from book Or how you condition your luscious hair?†p.76.91 more very desirable Show general definition richly appealing to the senses -- especially taste, smell, or appearance -- often used for delicious food, attractive appearance, or sensuous beauty