Breaking Through: "Los Santitos"–"Still Moving"

by Francisco Jiménez
In this memoir, Francisco Jiménez details his family's experiences as Mexican immigrants in the United states during the 1950s and 1960s.

This list covers "Los Santitos"–"Still Moving."

Here are links to our lists for the memoir: List 1, List 2, List 3
35 words 52 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. initiation
    a formal entry into an organization or position or office
    I joined the Squires Club, and our main duties were to keep order in the lunch line and stop students from littering. I missed the initiation dinner, which was held on a Thursday evening, because I had to work.
  2. recede
    pull back or move away or backward
    He was a short, stocky man with a large head and receding hairline.
  3. embroider
    decorate with needlework
    I then remembered the Christmas when Papá gave Mamá an embroidered handkerchief he had bought from a young couple who needed money to buy food.
  4. render
    give or supply
    He thanked Los Santitos and gave us a certificate of appreciation for “rendering eminent and memorable service to the Santa Maria community by helping the Salvation Army to give a happy Christmas.”
  5. eminent
    standing above others in quality or position
    He thanked Los Santitos and gave us a certificate of appreciation for “rendering eminent and memorable service to the Santa Maria community by helping the Salvation Army to give a happy Christmas.”
  6. strew
    spread by scattering
    It was in the back seat of the car, strewn with tinsel. “It’s a beautiful tree,” Roberto said.
  7. ignorant
    uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
    “Because people are ignorant,” Papá said. “I am proud of being Catholic and Mexican and you must be too.”
  8. pantomime
    a performance using gestures and movements without words
    Pantomimes, dancing, singing, the familiar chorus line, and a boys' fashion show will be a few of the acts.
  9. petrify
    cause to become stunned or immobile, as with fear or awe
    As I walked up to the stage, my legs wobbled. I grabbed the microphone with both hands and glanced at the crowd. I was petrified.
  10. ovation
    enthusiastic recognition
    Marvin then went to the microphone and asked all of the participants to join him onstage. We all got a standing ovation.
  11. gangly
    tall, thin, and awkward
    His playful look and gangly manner reminded me of Miguelito, my friend in elementary school.
  12. pessimist
    a person who expects the worst
    “Don’t be such a pessimist,” he said.
    “A what? I am not a pest,” I said. Paul shook his head and smiled.
  13. lectern
    desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text
    The church was in the north part of town. It was a large, wooden rectangular building with high ceilings and small, square windows on the sides. It had a lectern in the middle and a piano in the right-hand corner.
  14. tonic
    a medicine that strengthens and invigorates
    Even Papá, whose moods continued to get darker every day, cheered up when she came. Her visits were like a tonic for him.
  15. blemish
    a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something
    My face was haggard and full of blemishes. I had dark circles under my eyes.
  16. disheveled
    in disarray; extremely disorderly
    His sunken eyes were bloodshot and his hair was disheveled.
  17. necessarily
    in such a manner as could not be otherwise
    “It’s called that because the disease can be transmitted by kissing,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean your son acquired it by kissing.”
  18. acquire
    come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
    “It’s called that because the disease can be transmitted by kissing,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean your son acquired it by kissing.”
  19. drawl
    a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
    “Frankie, what happened to you?” he said in his Texas drawl.
  20. frustrated
    disappointingly unsuccessful
    As days went by, I could not keep up with my classes. My midterm grades went down and so did my spirit. I dropped my physics class. I became frustrated and angry.
  21. delegate
    a person appointed or elected to represent others
    I met with student representatives to the delegate assembly and tried getting everyone involved in promoting school spirit.
  22. cascade
    rush down in big quantities
    The gentle sounds of water cascading from the fountain reminded me of the creek that ran behind our cabin in the cotton labor camp in Corcoran.
  23. podium
    a platform raised above the surrounding level
    Everyone’s eyes focused on a man behind the podium who identified himself as the president of the Rotary Club.
  24. sparse
    not dense or plentiful
    He was a tall, thin man with sparse black hair, a wide forehead, large blue eyes, and perfect white teeth.
  25. alma mater
    a school you graduated from
    Mr. Penney must have noticed my lack of enthusiasm because he quickly added, “You’ll like it. It’s a lot like Loyola, my alma mater.”
    “Your alma mater?” I asked, not knowing what he meant.
    “The school I went to in L.A.,” he responded.
  26. financial
    involving fiscal matters
    Frank Schneider, director of financial aid at the University of Santa Clara, notified me that my National Defense Student Loan application for one thousand dollars had been approved. I now had enough money for my first year of college.
  27. invocation
    a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
    After the Reverend Glen Johnson from the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church gave the invocation and benediction, I was introduced.
  28. benediction
    a blessing or ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
    After the Reverend Glen Johnson from the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church gave the invocation and benediction, I was introduced.
  29. dote
    shower with love; show excessive affection for
    Roberto and Darlene had a beautiful baby girl who brought joy and new life to our whole family. My parents doted on her.
  30. plume
    decorate with a feather
    The calendar had a picture of a colorful Aztec warrior standing guard over an Aztec princess whose eyes were closed; both were dressed in plumed and colorful costumes.
  31. smug
    marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
    “Time to get up, flojos,” she said, pulling the blankets off of them. “Look, Rorra is already up.” My sister stood next to Mamá looking smug.
  32. pensive
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    She was quiet and pensive until she heard Papá.
  33. haggard
    showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
    Once again, he looked haggard. His eyes were puffy and red.
  34. feign
    give a false appearance of
    He glanced at me and feigned a smile.
  35. accelerator
    a pedal that controls the throttle valve
    “Nothing, Papá, I am in control.” I took my foot from the accelerator and lightly pressed on the brakes.
Created on Fri Apr 08 09:32:55 EDT 2022 (updated Mon Apr 18 08:49:29 EDT 2022)

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