aberrant

adj

Deviating from what is normal or typical; turning away from what is right or true

bailiwick

n

One’s particular area of expertise, authority, or interest

cajole

v

To coax with flattery and insincere talk; to wheedle

dauntless

adj

Fearless; that cannot be intimidated

eclectic

adj

Selecting from various systems, doctrines, or sources

fallacious

adj

Faulty; erroneous; misleading or deceptive

gauche

adj

Lacking social grace; awkward; tactless

halcyon

adj

Tranquil; happy; idyllic

ignominy

n

Shame and dishonor; loss of one’s reputation; infamy

disdain

n

To regard or treat as unworthy or beneath one’s dignity; to refuse or reject with contempt or scorn

malaise

n

A vague feeling of physical discomfort or uneasiness; a vague awareness of moral or social decline

nebulous

adj

Unclear; vague; indefinite

obfuscate

v

To make unclear or muddle; to confuse or bewilder

palpable

adj

That can be touched, felt, or handled; tangible

rankle

v

To cause long-lasting anger, rancor, or resentment; to fester

salacious

adj

Lecherous; erotically stimulating; pornographic

tawdry

adj

Cheap and showy; gaudy; sleazy

umbrage

n

Offense or resentment ("to take umbrage")

vagary

n

An odd, eccentric, or unexpected action; a whimsical or freakish idea or notion

wanton

adj

Recklessly or arrogantly ignoring decency or morality