Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America Study Guide

Glossary of Terms

abasement

Humiliation, degradation. Stripping another of his or her self-esteem or feelings of self-worth.

abolished

Destroyed; annulled.

efficiency

In this case, a form of cheap, temporary housing.

erstwhile

In the past.

homogeneous

Composed of very similar elements. In the case of a crowd, a mass of the same kinds of people.

ineradicable

Won't be undone.

pathogen

An agent that spreads or produces disease.

Rent-A-Wreck

A service that provides cheap cars for rental.

scabrous

Rough (touch), or indecent (content).