Category Archives: Lexicology

noblesse oblige

noun

the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with generosity and nobility toward those less privileged.

“There was to being a celebrity a certain element of noblesse oblige, which he deeply and consistently resented.”

physiognomy

noun
  1. a person’s facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin.
    • the supposed art of judging character from facial characteristics.
    • the general form or appearance of something.

irascible

adjective
  1. having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.
    “‘Fuck you,’ said the irascible man, who had clearly and almost instantaneously had enough of her jackassery.”

sententious

adjective
  1. given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
    “He tried to encourage his men with sententious rhetoric, but to no effect: ultimately they were just a bunch of uninspired, myopic dickheads.”

garrulous

adjective
  1. excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
    “He was nothing but a foolish, garrulous old man who needed to be silenced.  Now he is silent.”