The Outsiders

This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. asset (noun):

a useful or desirable quality 

“Not like the Socs, who jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks, and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next.” (Chapter 1, Page 11)

2. madras (adjective):

made of a light cotton fabric, especially in multicolored plaid or stripes

“He had on a madras shirt. I can still see it. Blue madras.” (Chapter 1, Page 13)

3. unfathomable (adjective):

not able to be understood; incomprehensible

“He liked fights, blondes, and for some unfathomable reason, school.” (Chapter 1, Page 18)

4. roguishly (adverb):

in a playfully mischievous way

“Dally grinned roguishly. ‘I’m never nice. Want a Coke?’” (Chapter 2, Page 30)

5. gallantly (adverb):

in a courageous, spirited, or noble-minded way

“Two-Bit gallantly offered to walk them home—the west side of town was only about twenty miles away—but they wanted to call their parents and have them come and get them.