angina pectoris
(n) the medical term for chest pain
atavistic
(adj) relating to deep, primal instincts
bile
(n) a bitter fluid secreted by the liver; sometimes used metaphorically to refer to anger or ill feelings
billyclub
(n) a heavy wood club carried by police officers
ether
(n) An anesthetic drug that is popular for recreational use. It can be inhaled or drank, and acts as a depressant.
filigree
(n) an ornate design made with gold or precious metals
FoMoCo
(n) the Ford Motor Company
formica
(n) an inexpensive plastic often used in furniture
Gonzo journalism
(n) a journalistic movement, pioneered by Thompson, which focuses on conveying the deeper significance of events rather than simply presenting objective facts. Gonzo works may use fictionalization and experimental structure to achieve this goal.
gunsel
(n) a person bearing a gun
Hell's Angels
(n) an infamously violent motorcycle gang, which has been active from the 1940s to the present
hep
(adj) an alternative spelling of 'hip'
malevolent
(adj) evil; with ill intent
mestizo
(n) a mixed-race person, usually of Spanish and Native American descent
orlon
(n) a synthetic fabric similar to polyester
paroxysm
(n) a sudden, violent fit of emotion or physical activity
PCP
(n) short for phencyclidine, a drug known for making its users paranoid and hyperaggressive
prima facie
(adj) a phrase meaning "based on first impressions"
spansule
(n) an extended-release capsule for administering drugs
thorazine
(n) an antipsychotic medication
