Guts: "Guts" by Raina Telgemeier

by Raina Telgemeier
In this companion to Smile and Sisters, graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier recounts her experiences with childhood anxiety and phobias.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. self-conscious
    aware of yourself as an individual or of your own being
    I was a nervous kid. Self-conscious.
  2. technically
    according to the exact meaning; according to the facts
    Technically, this is a comic strip. See?
  3. technicality
    a detail that is considered insignificant
    Okay, Miss Technicality. What's that you're eating for lunch today?
  4. anatomy
    a detailed analysis
    Anatomy of a "normal dinner" at our house
  5. guacamole
    a dip made of mashed avocado
    Guacamole (which we all actually like)
  6. hormone
    the secretion of an endocrine gland transmitted by the blood
    Could be your hormones kicking in...might have been a little food poisoning.
  7. lecture
    an educational talk delivered by a teacher in a classroom
    LDI! That stands for Lecture, Demonstration, or Instruction.
  8. demonstration
    a visual presentation showing how something works
    LDI! That stands for Lecture, Demonstration, or Instruction.
  9. oral
    using speech rather than writing
    LDIs will be given orally every Tuesday.
  10. proposal
    something suggested, as a plan or assumption
    You can submit proposals to me anytime.
  11. courtyard
    an area wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings
    One time around the courtyard...two times around the courtyard...
  12. contaminate
    make impure
    The house is contaminated!
  13. therapist
    a person skilled in a particular type of care
    I'm going to be your therapist.
  14. diminish
    decrease in size, extent, or range
    It doesn't diminish your own battle...
  15. ally
    an associate who provides cooperation or assistance
    But perhaps you and Michelle can become allies instead of adversaries.
  16. adversary
    someone who offers opposition
    But perhaps you and Michelle can become allies instead of adversaries.
  17. ferment
    cause to undergo the breakdown of sugar into alcohol
    At least try some kimchi. It's my favorite!
    What is it?
    Spicy, fermented cabbage.
  18. preoccupied
    having excessive or compulsive concern with something
    Raina, you seem very preoccupied with the things other people eat.
  19. mature
    having reached full natural growth or development
    You're not mature enough to understand.
  20. currency
    the metal or paper medium of exchange that is presently used
    Last year, bodily functions were common currency.
  21. puberty
    the time of life when one becomes capable of having children
    Was puberty to blame for my sudden panic attacks?
  22. suburb
    a residential district located on the outskirts of a city
    We're moving.
    You are? Where?
    The suburbs.
  23. gazebo
    a small roofed building affording shade and rest
    They have a big house with four bedrooms and a creek in their backyard! And a gazebo!!
  24. disrespectful
    exhibiting lack of regard; rude and discourteous
    But please, please try not to be disrespectful to other people.
  25. mangy
    affected with a skin disease causing itching and hair loss
    My brother Louie had a dog — a mutt, real mangy.
  26. parasite
    an animal or plant that lives in or on a host
    No parasites, no bacteria, no food allergies...
  27. discernable
    able to be perceived by the senses or intellect
    It basically means upset stomach...with no discernable cause.
  28. reflection
    a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
    But we all go through changes and times of reflection.
  29. cope
    come to terms with
    But, I have a few ways of coping.
  30. confidential
    given in secret
    Is it a secret?
    Not really.
    Just confidential, out of respect for Michelle's privacy.
Created on Wed Sep 18 09:06:25 EDT 2019 (updated Wed Sep 18 09:45:22 EDT 2019)

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