emancipated
free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberated.
Buckeye
A nickname for residents of Ohio, named after the buckeye tree. The Buckeye is also the mascot of Ohio State University.
collards
A type of cabbage that is a staple of Southern cuisine.
foreman
a worker who supervises and directs other workers.
topaz
a relatively abundant gemstone
Epsom salts
Crystals of hydrated magnesium sulfate used medicinally, often to soothe sore muscles.
Kryptonite
A fictional radioactive element that makes the superhero Superman weak and unable to use his powers.
ain't
A slang contraction of "am/are not" or "has/have not," part of African-American vernacular English (AAVE).
cinch
To bind firmly.
johnny pump
Another word for a fire hydrant.
Argo starch
A brand of corn starch commonly used as a thickener in foods such as gravy, stew, and pie.
Far Rockaway
A neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens
P.S. 106
Jacqueline's elementary school. Public elementary schools in New York City are generally named P.S. followed by a number.
Kingdom Hall
A place of worship used by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Lead
A heavy metal that was once added to paints. In the late 19th century, it was discovered that lead is toxic, causing problems in the nervous system.
whip-poor-wills
A small bird found in North America.
amiga
Spanish word for friend.
arroz con habichuelas
Puerto Rican rice and beans.
Tostones
Puerto Rican fried plantains.
Pasteles
A traditional pastry dish similar to a tamale made in several Latin American countries.
Pernil
Puerto Rican pork dish.
más mejor
Spanish for much better.
baila
Spanish word for dance.
merengue
a style of Dominican music and dance.
morph
Change smoothly and gradually.
