Youth Incorporated Magazine

Erstwhile Insults

A number of words in English, once considered offensive, are now not only acceptable but quite indispensable to express ourselves. Commonly used words such as fun, bet and kidnap were once labelled impolite.

 

Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the main word and complete the sentence.

1. Geek (geek)
It is imperative for a computer ____ to be a fast learner and keep pace with changing technology.
(a) dotard (b) expert (c) loser

2. Flaky (fley-kee)
Although the interior designer was always dressed classy, her taste of furniture was quiet______.
(a) eccentric (b) level-headed (c) introvert

3. Hooligan (hoo-li-guh-n)
The ____ fought furiously with the police officers after he was caught stealing money from the ATM.
(a) troublemaker (b) pacifist (c) activist

4. Gyp (jip)
Most taxi drivers often take longer than usual routes and ____ unsuspecting tourists.
(a) praise (b) tempt (c) swindle

5. Cavalier (kav-uh-leer)
The ____ team leader refused to accept suggestions from his peers and insisted on conducting the presentation all by himself.
(a) humble (b) confused (c) arrogant

Answers:
1. B, 2. A, 3. A, 4. C, 5. C

Word Pyramid
The clues will help you find the answers to complete the word pyramid. Each answer must contain the previous answer. You may arrange the words with a new letter. Hint: Start from the top

1. Sixth letter of the English alphabet
2. Iron in chemistry
3. Mischievous creature with magical powers
4. Small black insect generally found on dogs
5. Sudden burst of fire or anger
6. Writer of fables
7. Easy to break or crumble
8. Lightning that resembles a globe of fire
9. Able to be filtered
10. Quivering movement of a muscle
11. A muscle that has undergone fibrillation
12. Restore normal contractions of the heart

Answers:
FE, ELF, FLEA, FLARE, FABLER, FRIABLE, FIREBALL, FILTRABLE, FIBRILLATE, FIBRILLATED, DEFIBRILLATE

 

Volume 3 Issue 11