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z Trenchant comes from an Old French word spelled the same way,
ZKLFKPHDQW³FXWWLQJDQGVKDUS ́ERWKOLWHUDOO\DQG¿JXUDWLYHO\z Interestingly, trenchant is related to the word trench, which
originally meant a track cut in wood and was later extended to
mean a cut in the earth—what we think of as a trench. To remember
trenchant, highlight the trench part in your vocabulary notebook
and make the connection that a trench is a cut in the earth (a
long, narrow ditch), and trenchant remarks are cutting, sharp,
and incisive.Target Word Review
z Argot is the specialized language of a particular group, while jargon
is language that generally can’t be understood by outsiders of a
group. Shibboleth is a noun referring to a word, phrase, or custom
used to distinguish one group from another.z A luddite is someone who opposes the introduction of technological
change.z A philistine is a person who is not interested in intellectual pursuits
and is indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values.z A quisling is a traitor who aids an invading and/or occupying enemy
force, often serving later in the puppet government.z Draconian is an adjective used to describe a person who is
exceedingly harsh, very severe, or cruel.z Avuncular literally means “like an uncle,” but it can also mean kind,
friendly, patient, and indulgent.z Quixotic is an adjective that means romantically idealistic.z Importune is a verb that means to harass with repeated requests or
to demand of someone insistently.