Vocabulary from "Thank you Ma'am"

Front

Willow-wild

Back

An adjective used to describe Roger's physical appearance, suggesting a thin, reedy build, like the branches of a willow tree.

Front

Pocketbook

Back

A purse or handbag. The story begins when Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones's "large pocketbook".

Front

Suede

Back

A type of leather with a soft, velvety surface. Roger's desire for a new pair of "blue suede shoes" is what motivates his attempted theft.

Front

Half-nelson

Back

A wrestling hold in which one arm is passed under the opponent's arm from behind to grip the back of their neck. Mrs. Jones uses this move to subdue Roger.

Front

Stoop

Back

A small porch or platform at the entrance of a house. The story ends with Roger standing on the "barren stoop".

Front

Barren

Back

Empty or lacking something. The stoop is described as barren, emphasizing the boy's empty feelings and his inability to say more than a simple "thank you".

Front

Kitchenette

Back

A small cooking area, or a small kitchen. Mrs. Jones's room has a kitchenette in the corner.

Front

Icebox

Back

An old-fashioned, insulated chest cooled with a block of ice, used for keeping food cold before modern refrigerators were common.