Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming Glossary

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.