American Consumerism Vocabulary Into the Wild/12
consumption noun—a quantity consumed or used
offal noun--1. Waste parts, especially of a butchered animal. 2. Refuse; garbage
We threw out the offal from the slaughtered deer.
frugal adjective—1. spending or costing little money
The frugal man did not want to spend more than $5.00 on the gift.
advocacy noun--The act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; active support.
The organization provided support and advocacy for children with disabilities.
inimical adjective--1. Injurious or harmful in effect; adverse: habits inimical to good health. 2. Unfriendly; hostile: a cold, inimical voice.
detachment noun--1. The act or process of disconnecting or detaching; separation. 2. The state of being separate or detached. 3. Indifference to or remoteness from the concerns of others; aloofness: preserved a chilly detachment in his relations with the family.
dissolution noun—disintegration or termination: the dissolution of the company after bankruptcy
crass adjective-- gross and unrefined
No one laughed at the crass joke.
commercialization noun—the act of doing something for business or profit
Many people are against the commercialization of religious holidays.
commodity noun--1. something that can be bought or sold 2. advantage or benefit
People should not be seen as commodities.
inherent adjective--existing as a natural part
Some people believe that humans are inherently savage.
insidious adjective--1. Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy
manner: insidious rumors; an insidious disease. 2. Beguiling but harmful; alluring: insidious pleasures.
keystone noun--The central supporting element
Many believe that the keystone to a good marriage is trust.
discourse noun--1. Verbal expression in speech or writing. 2. Verbal exchange;
conversation. 3. A formal, lengthy discussion of a subject, either written or spoken. After a thorough discourse, we concluded that the law was just.
aberration noun--1. A deviation from the proper or expected course; an oddness
The company’s low August sales were clearly an aberration, for sales
were high in both July and September.
apathy noun--1. Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference
The students’ apathy caused the teacher great frustration.
cynicism noun--1. An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others: the public cynicism aroused by governmental scandals.
tenable adjective-- Capable of being maintained in argument; rationally defensible
Your argument is not tenable.
disillusioned adjective—freed from illusion or belief; disenchanted
Chris became disillusioned with the idea of a perfect family after the fight.
affluent adjective—wealthy and prosperous: affluent bankers
pandemic adjective—widespread: The flu became pandemic in the community
noun—a widespread disease
aggregate adjective--1. Constituting or amounting to a whole; total: aggregate sales
in that market
noun---1. A total considered with reference to its parts; a gross amount: “An empire is the aggregate of many states under one ruler”
iconoclast noun--1. One who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular
ideas or institutions. 2. One who destroys sacred religious images.
Mr. Harley was an iconoclast, who subverted traditional approaches to teaching.
docile adjective—easily managed; willing to be led: The docile child followed
her mother
sustainable adjective—able to be maintained or nourished
We all want to live in a sustainable environment
Into the Wild: Consumerism Vocabulary Exercise
Use your vocabulary from “Perspectives on American Consumerism” to complete the following sentences.
1. The professor’s lengthy ______on the properties of mercury left even his best students confused and bored.
2. Most people believe there is a(n) ______goodness in babies, and that they must be taught evil.
3. Lola became ______with acting when she was told she would have to get breast enhancement surgery in order to get a part in a movie.
4. The terrorists formed a(n) ______plot to overthrow the government.
5. The ______puppy would do anything his owner told him to do.
6. The ______family purchased a 2.3 million dollar home on the oceanfront.
7. Hard work is a(n) ______of American society.
8. Some freshmen experience feelings of ______when they first leave home to attend college.
9. “That ______smells awful!” the mother scolded when her son did not take the garbage out.
10. Although Bob was funny, sometimes his stories about farting seemed rather ______and distasteful.
11. Gwen’s failing grade was clearly a(n) ______; she always received the highest marks.
12. “Save the Children” is a(n) ______group that helps poor children.
13. Because of the students’ ______about raising funds, the prom tickets were very expensive.
14. The ______cost of buying a home in Rockland County is rising rapidly.
15. Many people felt the ______of September 11th through t-shirts, buttons, and pictures was rather crass.
16. Those who favor the environment see the proliferation of SUVs as a(n) ______.
17. “Do you think this community will be ______?” asked the anthropologist when he met the founder of the small town.
18. When Madonna first began her career, people saw her as a(n) ______; she was not your typical female performer.
19. The ______of the circus caused many clowns to become unemployed.
20. Smoking is ______to good health.