Chapter 1: Unveiling New Vocabulary

This piece represents the latest entry in a series dedicated to the discovery of new words and phrases, gathered from explorations into the uncharted territories of literary expression. These words are shared for your amusement, insight, and understanding. You might already be familiar with some of these terms; if so, feel free to chuckle at my endless ignorance.

Antebellum — Referring to the period preceding a specific war, particularly the U.S. Civil War. This term was gleaned from the book "End Times — Elites, Counter-elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration" by Peter Turchin. I make an effort to read books for self-improvement, albeit a somewhat futile endeavor. This particular book is a bit beyond my grasp, positing that history and the future trajectory of humanity can be deciphered through complex mathematics and the analysis of ecological population cycles, reminiscent of Isaac Asimov’s fictional psychohistory in his "Foundation" trilogy.

Cliodynamics — A cross-disciplinary field that merges cultural evolution, economic history, macro sociology, and the mathematical modeling of historical events over long periods. Admittedly, that definition doesn't clarify much for me, taken from "End Times."

Age of Discord — A clever phrase that encapsulates our current times quite well, also sourced from "End Times."

Wealth Pump — This term describes the mechanism through which wealth is shifted from the impoverished to the affluent. While controversial, it aptly explains the growing inequality observed in society. Another term from "End Times."

The Boondocks: Chris Hansen - A critical exploration of societal issues through animated storytelling, reflecting the complexities of wealth distribution.

Popular Immiseration — The outcome of the wealth pump, as described in "End Times."

The Matthew Effect — This concept illustrates how individuals tend to gain social or economic advantages in relation to their initial popularity or wealth. It's often summarized by the saying "the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer." This term finds its roots in the biblical "For unto everyone that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance..."

Elite Overproduction — The theory suggesting that during specific historical moments, a surplus of elite births can lead to conflicts due to a lack of available positions of power. From "End Times."

Precarity — Referring to a state of uncertainty, particularly regarding employment and income. The aftermath of Brexit has arguably positioned most of the UK population within this precarious state, a term I encountered in "End Times."

Boondocks — This term is likely well-known among U.S. readers, though it is seldom used in my region. Originating from the Tagalog word "bundók," it initially denoted a remote rural area and now often describes locations perceived as backward by urban dwellers. A fascinating addition to my vocabulary, considering my Tagalog is a bit rusty.

The Know-Nothing Party — A mid-1850s nativist political party in the United States. I assure you, this is not a fictional creation. Interestingly, it resonates well with some contemporary political movements. Sourced from "End Times."

Phototactic — The movement of organisms toward or away from light, a term I learned from the BBC nature program "Springwatch."

Haltere — The balancing organ found in two-winged flies, appearing as a pair of knobbed filaments substituting the hindwings, which vibrate during flight. From "Springwatch."

Pipping — Refers to the process wherein a chick breaks through its eggshell during hatching, as I gleaned from "Springwatch."

Syncretism — The practice of amalgamating diverse beliefs and ideologies, as noted in "End Times."

Hecatomb — In ancient Greece or Rome, this term referred to a significant public sacrifice, originally involving a hundred oxen, and indicates considerable loss of life for a particular cause. From "End Times."

Entrainment — An atmospheric phenomenon occurring when a turbulent flow captures a calm flow, as described in "End Times."

Precariat — A class of individuals facing job and income insecurity, another term sourced from "End Times."

Pocket Call — Coined by Mrs. Pearce, this term humorously refers to accidentally dialing someone when your mobile phone is in your pocket. Fortunately, I don't keep the numbers of my many mistresses stored on my device!

DFL — An acronym used derogatorily to describe individuals "Down From London," as per author Donna McLean in "Small Town Girl." This remarkable and shocking true story reveals the infiltration of political activists in the UK by undercover police, who formed long-term relationships, even fathering children with them.

Chapter 2: The Undercover Policing Scandal

Uncle Ruckus Becomes a COP!!! | The Boondocks Ep. 14 - A satirical take on the complexities of law enforcement and societal issues, through the lens of animated storytelling.

The UK undercover policing relationships scandal, which began surfacing in late 2010 and throughout 2011, revealed that several undercover officers had engaged in serious misconduct.

In a recent legal development, the police lost a case against women who accused them of assault and human rights violations, resulting in compensation payments. For a comprehensive account of this troubling narrative, refer to "Deep Deception," authored by activist Helen Steel, who gained notoriety for her legal battles against McDonald’s in the 1980s.

Accidental Activist — A clever term I encountered in "Small Town Girl."

Cyclothymia — A mood disorder characterized by emotional fluctuations that are less severe than those seen in bipolar disorder, sourced from "Small Town Girl."

Brassard — A band worn on a sleeve, typically associated with a uniform, as noted in "Everyone Brave is Forgiven" by Chris Cleave.

Involtini — An Italian term for various small food items wrapped around a filling, from "Small Town Girl" (the undercover officer was of Italian descent).

Arancini — An Italian dish made of small rice balls filled with savory ingredients, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried, also mentioned in "Small Town Girl."

I hope you found this latest compilation enjoyable. Please share your favorite new words in the comments below.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!