The Iceman Cometh

The Iceman Cometh Glossary

affability

cheeriness, friendliness

bedlam

chaos

blinders

figure of speech for the inability to see the truth of the matter, from equipment used to limit a horse's peripheral vision

bughouse

an asylum for the mentally ill

bunk

nonsense, lies

credulity

willingness to believe even if there is not much proof

deference

showing respect and esteem for an elder

delirium tremens

violent shaking or hallucinations induced by withdrawal from extreme alcohol use — also called the d.t.'s

fastidiously

meticulously, strictly

flaccid

limp

gag

prank, trick

graft

illegal action, stealing (as of money)

impecunious

lacking money, poor and penniless

kip

sleep, nap

Nihilist

Espousing nihilism, a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless; a doctrine that rejects religious or moral principles

salutation

greeting

soused

drunk

teetotalism

abstinence from alcohol

trollop

whore, tart

truculence

the state of being cruel, belligerent, or aggressive

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