Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Vocabulary List Chapters 19-21+epilogue

very appealing or attractive : very lovable

"Listen, I'd better hurry up and start turning myself into adorable old Mother Paula. Can one of you sweethearts please fetch my suitcase out of the limo?"

the act of helping

The kid looked to Beatrice for assistance, but she shook her head.

a temporary barrier for protection against attack or for blocking the way

Roy watched in wonderment as more and more kids slipped out of the crowd and began joining hands, forming a human barricade around Beatrice's self-buried stepbrother.

to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow

"Officer!" The silver-haired man beckoned insistently. "Yo, Officer! Over here."

not real or genuine : fake or false

It was the most bogus thing Roy had ever seen.

showing kindness in talking about or judging other people : not very critical

"Your police chief must have a charitable heart. Either that or he's desperate for warm bodies."

to begin

With a wild wing of the shovel he knocked over the bucket, and commenced flailing and hacking at the snaked in a bling, slobbering fury.

to change the rank or position of (someone) to a lower or less important one

After going wacko at the groundbreaking ceremony, Chuck E. Muckle got demoted to the post of assistant junior vice-president.

a person who has a high rank or an important position

Gold-painted shovels were handed out, and on Mr. Muckle's signal all the dignitaries smiled, leaned over and dug up a scoopful of sand.

careful not to attract attention or let out private information

In a confidential tone, he added, "We need some discreet assistance here."

a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc.

"The handlebars, you dork. Get on the handlebars. We're goin' for a ride."

feeling doubt

Chuck Muckle whipped off his shades and eyed the patrolman dubiously.

having a very noticeable quality that attracts a lot of attention

The situation remained fairly stable until the flamboyant arrival of Lonna Leep, who'd spotted her son on the TV news.

to look at someone or something with your mouth open in surprise or wonder

They all stopped to gape at the head on the ground.

having great and lasting importance

"I am truly excited to see so many of our fine young people here today. This is a historic moment for your town-our town, I should say-and we're happy you can take a short break from your classes and celebrate with us."

rude and showing a lack of respect

"Arrest this impertinent little creep right now."

not probable : not likely to be true or to happen

He hoped the birds had already sensed that something awful was about to happen and had flown away, though it seemed improbable.

not prepared ahead of time : made or done without preparation

Roy and Beatrice had left before the impromptu press conference was over.

to cause severe damage to (the body of a person or animal)

Exhausted, Chuck Muckle leaned over and squinted at the mutilated toy snakes.

to do something that someone has asked you to do : to do a favor for (someone)

Roy was happy to oblige.

not safe, strong, or steady

Quickly Roy picked out one fish and, teetering precariously, plunged both hands into the current.

the feeling that something unpleasant is going to happen and cannot be changed

Roy could feel his shoulders sagging in defeat, while Beatrice's face had become a mask of grim resignation.

having a healthy reddish skin tone

Chuck Muckle thrust his ruddy face closer. "You've got no idea who I'm talking about, do you, Officer?"

quiet and peaceful

Roy was in an eerie yet tranquil daze.