The Contenderby Robert Lipsyte

Vocabulary

contend

•To strive against difficulty; struggle

transistor radio• A small, portable radio

marquee• A rooflike

structure, often with a signboard, projecting over an entrance

spar• To fight with an opponent in a short bout or practice session, as in boxing.

sheepish•Embarrassed because you did something wrong

linoleum• a floor covering

wino

•A poor alcoholic with no home

Boardwalk• A walkway, especially of planks, along a

beach or waterfront.

jab•To punch (someone) with short punches

catcall• Inappropriate words or

phrases, or whistling to express approval or making fun of someone.

knead•To squeeze, press, or roll with the hands, as in massaging

whimper• To cry or sob with

soft sounds

canvas• The floor of a ring in which

boxing or wrestling takes place

clinch• To hold a boxing opponent's

body with one or both arms to keep him/her from punching

probation• the release of an offender from

punishment, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.

narcotic• An addictive drug, such as

heroin, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and brings on sleep

addict•One who is addicted, as to narcotics

emblem•An object or a representation that functions as a symbol

unanimous•complete agreement

shallow•Lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge