The Philadelphia Story

The Philadelphia Story Glossary

smallpox

An infectious and deadly disease that was officially eradicated in 1980

innuendo

A suggestive remark that implies something not explicitly said

pickaninny

A derogatory and offensive term for a small black child

hawk shop

A place to sell something for money

queer

strange or unusual

Quaker

A sect of Christianity focused on the doctrine of "Inner light"

rapacious

greedy in an especially aggressive way

sherry

A fortified wine from Spain

patronage

financial sponsorship, particularly given by wealthy investors to talented artists

yacht

recreational boat or ship

yar

A term for a boat, indicating that it is responsive and easy to handle

ivory tower

a term for a type of seclusion from the reality of the world, a kind of privileged and isolated sanctuary

Machiavelli

An Italian politician and philosopher known for his endorsement of cunning and deception

feet of clay

The weakness found in someone who seems otherwise superior and unflawed

eye openers

alcoholic drink for earlier in the day, used as a hangover cure

stinger

A cocktail with creme de menthe and brandy, a typically upper class drink

washroom

restroom

"The course of true love...gathers no moss..."

An amalgamation of a Shakespeare quote and a popular saying. The beginning comes from Lysander's line in A Midsummer Night's Dream when he says, "The course of true love never did run smooth." This means that true love is hard. The second half comes from the popular saying, "A rolling stone gathers no moss," which suggests that if one doesn't put down roots than they cannot accumulate status and commitments.

tabloid

A newspaper typically filled with fluid and sensationalized stories about celebrities

recrimination

a counteraccusation

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