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The Outsiders vocabulary word list

This list supports students reading The Outsiders in class by gathering vocabulary that appears throughout the novel. Use it before reading each chapter to preview unfamiliar words, or after reading to review meanings in context.

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The Outsiders vocabulary word list

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
greasernounA member of a working-class youth subculture, especially in 1950s America, known for leather jackets and slicked-back hair.The movie follows a greaser gang navigating rivalries in their small town.
eludeverbTo skillfully escape or avoid someone or something, such as capture or understanding.The suspect eluded police for nearly three days before being caught.
confideverbTell someone a secret or private matter while trusting them not to reveal it.She confided in her best friend about her plans to change careers.
orneryadjectiveHaving a difficult, stubborn, and irritable temperament.The ornery old mule refused to move no matter how hard they pulled.
aloofadjectiveDistant and not friendly or forthcoming, keeping oneself apart from others physically or emotionally.The new manager seemed aloof at first, but he warmed up after the first project ended.
incredulousadjectiveUnwilling or unable to believe something; showing that one doubts what is being said.She gave an incredulous stare when he claimed to have run a marathon overnight.
defiancenounOpen resistance or bold refusal to obey a person, rule, or authority.In an act of defiance, the workers refused to leave the factory floor.
alibinounA claim or piece of evidence that a person was somewhere else when a crime took place.His alibi was confirmed by security footage showing him at the gym that night.
bewilderedadjectiveExtremely confused, unable to understand or make sense of a situation.The tourists looked bewildered as they tried to read the unfamiliar subway map.
contemplateverbTo think about something deeply and for a long time, often while considering a decision.He sat by the lake, contemplating whether to accept the job offer.
gallantadjectiveBrave and honorable, especially in a difficult situation, or notably polite and attentive to others.The gallant firefighter ran back into the smoke to rescue the family's dog.
jauntilyadverbIn a lively, cheerful, and confident manner, often with a casual air of self-assurance.He strolled jauntily down the street, whistling a tune with his hat tilted back.
roguishlyadverbIn a playfully mischievous or charmingly dishonest manner.He grinned roguishly before admitting he had eaten the last slice of cake.
elitenounA select group of people considered the best or most powerful within a particular society or field.Only a small elite could afford tickets to the exclusive gala.
aristocracynounA class of people holding hereditary titles and high social rank, often with political power.The aristocracy once controlled most of the nation's land and political influence.
stallionnounAn adult male horse, especially one that has not been castrated and is kept for breeding.The champion stallion sired several award-winning foals over the years.
vulnerableadjectiveOpen to physical or emotional harm, attack, or damage because of weak or exposed conditions.Elderly residents were especially vulnerable during the heat wave without air conditioning.
apprehensiveadjectiveAnxious or fearful that something bad may happen in the near future.She felt apprehensive about starting a new job in a city where she knew no one.
rumbleverbTo make a continuous deep, heavy sound, often from something moving or from thunder.Thunder began to rumble in the distance as dark clouds rolled over the hills.
retaliateverbTo harm or attack someone in return for a similar action against oneself.The country threatened to retaliate if the trade tariffs were not lifted.
agonynounExtreme physical pain or intense mental suffering.She writhed in agony after twisting her ankle on the trail.
comprehendverbTo understand something fully, including its meaning, nature, or implications.It took several readings before I could comprehend the dense legal document.
savvyadjectiveHaving practical knowledge and good judgment, especially in a specific field.A savvy investor knows when to hold onto stocks and when to sell.
spielnounA long, rehearsed speech, often used to persuade someone to buy or agree to something.The salesman launched into his usual spiel about the car's unbeatable mileage.
inconspicuousadjectiveNot easily noticed or attracting attention because of a plain or ordinary appearance.She wore inconspicuous gray clothing so she would blend into the crowd.
wistfullyadverbIn a way that shows gentle sadness or longing, especially for something in the past that cannot return.She looked wistfully at the old photographs of her childhood home.
nonchalantlyadverbIn a calm, relaxed manner that shows a lack of concern or interest.He shrugged nonchalantly and continued eating his sandwich as the alarm blared.
resignedadjectiveAccepting something unpleasant or unwanted because it seems impossible to change.She gave a resigned sigh and agreed to work the holiday shift again.
anguishnounSevere mental or physical suffering caused by grief, pain, or worry.She felt a wave of anguish when she heard the news of the accident.
scowlverbTo look at someone or something with an angry or sullen facial expression.He scowled at the referee after the unfair penalty call.

Words about the two rival groups

Much of The Outsiders vocabulary reflects the rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs. Words like defiance, retaliate, and rumble describe the conflict between the two groups, while aristocracy and elite describe the wealthier, more privileged world of the Socs. Understanding these words helps readers see how class and background shape the way characters treat each other in the novel.

Frequently asked questions

What does greaser mean in The Outsiders?

In the novel, a greaser refers to a member of a working-class gang known for slicked-back hair and leather jackets, in contrast to the wealthier Socs.