Social Etiquette

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'awkward' describes a situation or behavior that is uncomfortable or embarrassing.

• The awkward silence in the meeting room made everyone feel uncomfortable.
• It was so awkward when I accidentally bumped into my ex at the grocery store.
• That party was so awkward, I wanted to leave after five minutes.
• The awkward dance between the two politicians during the debate was hard to watch.

verb to make an excuse to avoid doing something or attending an event

• I politely asked to beg off from attending the meeting due to a prior commitment.
• I told them I needed to beg off from the party because I was feeling unwell.
• I decided to beg off from helping my friend move because I just didn't feel like it.
• She wanted to beg off from her responsibilities, but knew she had to push through and get the work done.

noun a person who engages in petty arguments or disputes

• The bickerer in the meeting constantly disrupted the flow of discussion with their arguments.
• The bickerer at the family gathering wouldn't stop arguing over trivial things.
• The bickerer in the group chat was getting on everyone's nerves.
• The bickerer's constant need to argue was like a broken record, repeating the same points over and over again.

verb to say something suddenly and without thinking, often because you are excited or nervous

• She couldn't help but blurt out the answer during the important presentation.
• I accidentally blurted out the surprise party plans to my sister.
• Why did you have to blurt out our secret like that?
• The truth seemed to blurt out from his eyes before he could even speak.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

• I accidentally bumped into my colleague in the hallway.
• I didn't expect to bump into you here!
• I totally bumped into my crush at the party last night.
• Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way, causing us to bump into obstacles.

noun a person who is not in the military or the clergy

adjective courteous and polite

• The civil rights movement aimed to secure equal rights for all citizens.
• Let's try to have a civil discussion about this topic.
• Why can't we just be civil and get along?
• In the battle of ideas, it's important to maintain a civil tone.

noun the way in which a person behaves or conducts themselves; behavior

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• His comportment during the meeting was impeccable, showing great professionalism and respect.
• I really like her comportment, she always knows how to act in any situation.
• His comportment at the party was totally chill, he just went with the flow.
• The artist's painting exuded a sense of elegant comportment, as if the figures were alive.

noun behavior that is considered to be morally correct and socially acceptable

• It is important to uphold the decencies of society in all interactions.
• Let's make sure we don't forget about the decencies when we're out with friends.
• Don't be a jerk, just follow the decencies like everyone else.
• Sometimes it feels like the decencies are a thing of the past in this fast-paced world.

noun a waterbird with a broad blunt bill, short legs, webbed feet, and a waddling gait

verb to leave or exit quickly or abruptly, especially in order to avoid something

• I had to duck out of the meeting early to catch my flight.
• I'm going to duck out of this boring party soon.
• Let's duck out of here before anyone notices.
• She tried to duck out of taking responsibility for her mistake.

noun an act of kindness or a preference for one option over another

verb to support or prefer one option over another

• I would like to ask for a favor from you regarding the upcoming project presentation.
• Hey, can you do me a favor and pick up my dry cleaning on your way home?
• Do me a solid and cover my shift tomorrow, I'll owe you a favor.
• The weather forecast is not in our favor for the outdoor event.

verb to associate or socialize in a friendly manner, especially with members of a group or organization

• It is not appropriate for employees to fraternize with clients outside of work.
• Let's fraternize after work at the new bar down the street.
• I heard they got in trouble for fraternizing at the office party.
• The two political parties rarely fraternize on important issues.

noun A colloquial term for leaving a gathering or event without saying goodbye or without permission

• The employee was reprimanded for taking a French leave without prior notice.
• She pulled a French leave on her coworkers by leaving work early without telling anyone.
• He decided to pull a French leave and skip out on the boring meeting.
• The politician took a French leave from his responsibilities, leaving his constituents feeling abandoned.

adjective not suitable or proper in the circumstances

adverb in a manner that is not suitable or proper in the circumstances

• The employee's inappropriate behavior in the workplace led to disciplinary action.
• It's just plain inappropriate to talk like that in public.
• Dude, that joke was so inappropriate, you crossed a line.
• Her choice of words was like an inappropriate puzzle piece in the conversation.

noun a sweet spread or preserve made from fruit and sugar

verb to press or squeeze tightly into a confined space

• The traffic jam in the city center caused delays for many commuters.
• I got stuck in a jam in the middle of rush hour traffic.
• I had to jam in my homework before the deadline.
• She tried to jam in as many activities as possible during her vacation.

adjective feeling or expressing great embarrassment or shame

• She was absolutely mortified when she realized she had forgotten her lines during the play.
• I was so mortified when I tripped and spilled my drink all over myself at the party.
• I was mortified when I accidentally liked my crush's old Instagram photo.
• The team was mortified when they lost the championship game in the final seconds.

verb to be under a moral or legal obligation to do something; to feel indebted or grateful

• I am obliged to inform you that the deadline for submission has been extended.
• I feel obliged to help my friend move this weekend.
• I ain't obliged to do anything for you, so stop asking.
• The artist felt obliged to push the boundaries of traditional art to create something truly unique.

noun a piece of clothing that is excessively formal or elaborate

verb to dress in clothes that are excessively formal or elaborate

• It is important not to overdress for a job interview.
• I always overdress for parties because I love dressing up.
• She always overdresses for school, she's so extra.
• Sometimes it's better to overdress than to underdress for an event.

verb to participate in or engage in an activity, especially eating or drinking

• The guests will be partaking in a traditional tea ceremony.
• We're all partaking in the potluck dinner tonight.
• Let's sneak out and partake in some late-night snacks.
• By partaking in the community service project, she felt like she was making a difference.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective describing word that modifies a noun or pronoun

• It is important to always do the proper thing in a professional setting.
• Just make sure you do the proper thing when meeting your girlfriend's parents.
• Dude, you gotta do the proper thing and apologize to your friend for what you said.
• Sometimes doing the proper thing means standing up for what you believe in, even if it's difficult.

noun A person or thing that appears or arrives at a specified place

verb To arrive or appear in a place, especially unexpectedly

• It is important to show up on time for the meeting.
• Make sure to show up early so we can get good seats.
• I didn't think he would actually show up to the party.
• His determination to succeed always shows up in his work ethic.

noun a glancing blow or hit along the side of something, especially a vehicle

verb to strike or hit with a glancing blow along the side

• The driver was charged with a sideswipe accident on the highway.
• I accidentally sideswiped a parked car while trying to parallel park.
• Watch out for that car, it might sideswipe you if you get too close.
• Her cutting remark felt like a sideswipe to my self-esteem.

noun a sudden involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of one's nostrils

verb to make a sudden involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth

• She couldn't hold back a sneeze during the meeting.
• I always sneeze when I'm around cats.
• I'm going to sneeze my head off if I don't take my allergy medication.
• The comedian's jokes were so funny, they made me sneeze with laughter.

verb to make a solemn declaration or statement, often invoking a deity or sacred object as witness

• I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
• I swear I saw a UFO last night, but no one believes me.
• I swear that new restaurant is bomb, you have to try it.
• I swear, if I have to deal with one more rude customer today, I'm going to lose it.

noun a person who follows or accompanies someone else

verb to follow or accompany someone, especially when not specifically invited

• I would appreciate it if you could tag along to the meeting with me.
• Hey, do you want to tag along to the mall with me?
• I'm heading to the beach, wanna tag along?
• Success always seems to tag along with hard work.

noun a time in the afternoon when tea is typically served, often accompanied by light snacks or pastries

• Teatime is a traditional British custom that typically takes place in the mid-afternoon.
• Hey, want to catch up over teatime later?
• Let's have a chill teatime sesh this afternoon.
• For her, painting is like teatime for the soul.

adjective not characteristic of or suitable for a gentleman; lacking in the qualities considered appropriate for a man of good breeding and social position

• His behavior at the dinner party was deemed ungentlemanly by the other guests.
• It's ungentlemanly to not hold the door open for someone behind you.
• Dude, that move on the basketball court was totally ungentlemanly.
• Her ungentlemanly treatment of her employees showed her true character.

noun a type of language that is considered crude, offensive, or inappropriate

• The use of vulgar language is not appropriate in professional settings.
• Please refrain from using vulgar language around children.
• I can't stand it when people use vulgar language in public.
• His writing was filled with vulgar language, painting a vivid picture of the character's personality.

noun a slang term used to describe an action or behavior that is rude, inconsiderate, or unfair

• His decision to sabotage the project at the last minute was a truly dick move.
• I can't believe he pulled that dick move on you like that.
• What a total dick move, dude.
• Her betrayal felt like a dagger in the heart, a real dick move.

noun a title used before a surname or full name to address or refer to a man without a higher or honorific or professional title

• Mr. Johnson will be attending the board meeting tomorrow.
• I saw Mr. Smith at the grocery store earlier.
• Hey, did you hear what Mr. Cool is up to these days?
• Mr. Sunshine always brightens up our day with his positive attitude.

noun a gesture made by extending the middle finger upwards, interpreted as an obscene and offensive gesture

adjective showing a lack of politeness or good manners

• The employee was reprimanded for showing a rude finger to a customer.
• She gave him the rude finger when he cut her off in traffic.
• He flipped me the rude finger after I beat him in the game.
• The artist painted a picture of a hand with a rude finger extended as a symbol of defiance.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

pronoun a word that takes the place of a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses

interjection a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise

• When presenting your argument, it is important to articulate your points clearly and concisely. Say it, don’t spray it.
• Hey, can you please speak up and enunciate your words clearly? Say it, don’t spray it.
• Yo, stop mumbling and spit it out clearly! Say it, don’t spray it.
• In a debate, make sure to express your thoughts clearly and confidently. Say it, don’t spray it.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality (e.g. someone, time, day)

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being (e.g. give)

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence (e.g. of)

article a word that is used to indicate whether a noun refers to a specific or general item (e.g. the)

• She is so busy that she would not give someone the time of day.
• He's too stuck up to even give her the time of day.
• I wouldn't give that guy the time of day if my life depended on it.
• After what he did, she would not give him the time of day even if he begged.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

pronoun a word that takes the place of a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses

interjection a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion

• It is important to behave in a manner appropriate for your age, not based on the size of your shoes.
• Come on, act your age, not your shoe size!
• Dude, stop acting like a child, act your age, not your shoe size.
• Instead of being immature, try to act your age, not your shoe size.

noun a word that functions as the name of a specific person, place, thing, or idea

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

• During the meeting, the CEO referred to the new employee as 'what’s-her-face' because he couldn't remember her name.
• I ran into that guy from the party, you know, what’s-his-face, at the grocery store.
• I can't believe that what’s-her-face got the promotion over me, it's so unfair.
• She's always hanging out with what’s-his-face, I think they might be dating.

adjective Describing words that modify or give more information about a noun or pronoun. 'Good' is an adjective that describes the quality of something, while 'proper' is an adjective that describes something done correctly or in the right way.

• The company ensured that all employees were trained in good and proper business practices.
• He finally learned how to tie a tie good and proper for the wedding.
• She gave him a good and proper telling off for not doing his chores.
• The artist painted the landscape with such detail that it captured the essence of the scene good and proper.

verb to bring someone up to date on a particular topic or situation

pronoun refers to the person being caught up

preposition used to indicate the action of catching up to someone or something

• Could you please catch me up on the latest developments in the project?
• Hey, can you catch me up on what I missed during the meeting?
• Yo, can you catch me up on the gossip that's been going around?
• I've been out of the loop for a while, so can you catch me up on what's been happening in your life?

noun a person who cleans or polishes something

verb to clean oneself or something thoroughly, especially before a medical procedure

adverb in a manner that is thorough or effective

• The surgeon always scrubs up well before performing a procedure.
• I have to make sure to scrub up well before meeting my date.
• He really knows how to scrub up well for a night out.
• With some practice, you can learn to scrub up well in any situation.

noun a person who ignores their surroundings by paying attention to their phone instead

verb to ignore one's surroundings by focusing on one's phone instead

• The rise of phubbers in meetings is becoming a concern for productivity.
• I can't stand when my friends are phubbers during dinner.
• She's such a phubber, always on her phone instead of engaging with us.
• Being a phubber in a relationship can be detrimental to communication and connection.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite

• It is considered inappropriate to show a bit of ankle or leg in a formal setting.
• You can show a bit of ankle or leg if you're going for a casual look.
• Hey, why not show a bit of ankle or leg to spice up your outfit?
• She decided to show a bit of ankle or leg by revealing a hint of her true self during the interview.

noun a small bag used by women to carry personal items

• She carried a designer handbag to the important business meeting.
• I love your new handbag, where did you get it?
• Her handbag game is always on point.
• Carrying her handbag of secrets, she navigated through the gossip-filled party.

verb to intentionally stay away or not attend a particular event or place

pronoun refers to the person who is choosing to stay away or not attend

• It is considered impolite to absent oneself from a meeting without prior notice.
• Don't just absent yourself from the party without saying goodbye.
• She's always finding excuses to absent herself from doing chores.
• Sometimes it's better to absent oneself from a toxic situation for the sake of one's mental health.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

• When attending a formal event, it is important to dress appropriately and act accordingly.
• If you want to fit in with the group, just watch how they behave and act accordingly.
• If you want to impress your crush, you gotta play it cool and act accordingly.
• Life is like a stage, and we must learn our lines and act accordingly to succeed.