Film Noir Vocabulary

noun a young male companion of a homosexual man, especially one who is kept for the purpose of sexual activity

• The detective suspected the young gunsel of being involved in the robbery.
• I heard that new guy is a real gunsel when it comes to handling a gun.
• Watch out for that gunsel, he's trouble.
• In the world of politics, he was seen as a gunsel, always doing the dirty work for others.

noun a secret or underhanded scheme; a plot

verb to arouse the curiosity or interest of; to fascinate

• The intricate plot of the novel managed to intrigue even the most discerning readers.
• I can't wait to find out what happens next in the story, it's really intriguing.
• That movie had so many twists and turns, it really had me intrigued.
• Her mysterious smile always managed to intrigue those around her.

adjective describing something that is difficult to understand or explain; having an air of secrecy or enigma

• The detective was intrigued by the mysterious disappearance of the valuable artifact.
• There's something mysterious about that old abandoned house on the hill.
• Have you heard about the mysterious dude who moved in next door?
• Her eyes held a mysterious depth that seemed to hide untold secrets.

verb to move smoothly and quietly with a slightly bent posture, typically in order to avoid being noticed

• The thief attempted to slink away unnoticed from the scene of the crime.
• I saw the cat slink around the corner, trying to catch a mouse.
• She decided to slink out of the party early to avoid any drama.
• His confidence seemed to slink away as he faced the difficult challenge.