Canard n. A false or unfounded rumor or story. “The tabloid included some of Hollywood’s oldest canards.”

Peckish adj. Ill-tempered; irritable; Chiefly British feeling slightly hungry. “He felt rather peckish close to bedtime.”

Hyperbole; Hyperbolic n. Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. “The company chairman may have been guilty of too much hyperbole during the shareholders meeting.”

Rapier n. Quick and incisive. A sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting. “Rapier combat was not for the meek.” “Rapier wit.”

acuity n. Sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. “The sun’s glare can cause discomfort and reduces visual acuity.”

Ruminate v. Think deeply about something. “We sat ruminating on the nature of existence.”

Sycophant; Sycophantic [sy·co·phan·tic] Attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery; A servile self-seeking flatterer. “There was sycophantic laughter from the audience at their bosses jokes.”

Nuance n. A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. “Subtle nuances of her on-screen character.”

Recidivate; Recidivism intr. v. To return to a previous pattern of behavior. Relapse: go back to bad or criminal behavior. “The convictions for those over sixty are unlikely to recidivate.”

Potentate n. One who has the power and position to rule over others: A monarch or ruler. “Industrial potentates.”