gaffe

noun: a socially awkward or tactless act

In a famous gaffe, Vice President Quayle attempted to correct the spelling of a grade school student, only to find that the child was correct.

lampoon

verb: ridicule with satire

Mark Twain understood that lampooning a bad idea with humor was the most effective criticism.

quail

verb: draw back, as with fear or pain

Craig always claimed to be a fearless outdoorsman, but when the thunderstorm engulfed the valley, he quailed at the thought of leaving the safety of his cabin.

This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study

plucky

adjective: marked by courage and determination

Some scouts initially doubted Pedroia because of his short stature, but he is a plucky player, surprising everyone with his boundless energy and fierce determination.

apposite

adjective:remarkably appropriate

For a writer with such quick wit, Jonathan Swift has a rather apposite name.

bowdlerize

verb: edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

To receive an R rating, the entire movie was bowdlerized because it contained so much violence and grotesque subject matter.

raconteur

noun: a person skilled in telling anecdotes

Jude is entertaining, but he is no raconteur: beyond the handful of amusing stories he has memorized, he has absolutely no spontaneous story-telling ability.

anemic

adjective: lacking energy and vigor

After three straight shows, the lead actress gave an anemic performance the fourth night, barely speaking loudly enough for those in the back rows to hear.

charlatan

noun: a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes

You may call him a "motivational speaker," but I call him a charlatan--he doesn't have any idea what he's really talking about.

perspicacious

adjective: acutely insightful and wise

Many modern observers regard Eisenhower as perspicacious, particularly in his accurate prediction of the growth of the military.