demesne
territory over which rule or control is exercised
confabulate
unconsciously replace fact with fantasy in one's memory
shoot the breeze
talk socially without exchanging too much information
conflate
mix together different elements
paradigm
a standard or typical example
cronyism
favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications)
paucity
an insufficient quantity or number
crepitation
the sharp sound of snapping noises
obverse
the more conspicuous of two alternatives or cases or sides
guttural
relating to or articulated in the throat
dissonant
characterized by musical dissonance; harmonically unresolved
punctilious
marked by precise accordance with details
kvetch
express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
gabble
speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
