75 words to know before reading Peter and Wendy

1. A former British currency unit, equal to 1/20 of a pound or 12 pence.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Somalia.

here, and two and six at the office; I can cut off my coffee at the office, say ten shillings, making two nine and six, with your eighteen and three makes three nine seven, with five naught

1. Nothing; zero (archaic or literary).
2. Worthless or morally bad (archaic).

two nine and six, with your eighteen and three makes three nine seven, with five naught naught in my chequebook makes eight nine seven—who is that moving?—eight nine seven, dot and carry

1. A contagious viral disease causing swelling of the salivary glands.
2. A childhood illness marked by fever and swollen cheeks.

of the two. “Remember mumps,” he warned her almost threateningly, and off he went again. “Mumps one pound, that is what I have put down, but I daresay it will be more like thirty

1. A highly contagious viral infection causing fever and a red rash (≤30 words).
2. Also called rubeola, spread through respiratory droplets (≤30 words).

is what I have put down, but I daresay it will be more like thirty shillings—don’t speak—measles one five, German measles half a guinea, makes two fifteen six—don’t waggle your

1. Being with someone or something else, often for support or company.
2. Having additional elements or features present alongside the main item.

dreaming the window of the nursery blew open, and a boy did drop on the floor. He was accompanied by a strange light, no bigger than your fist, which darted about the room like a living thing;

1. People living near or next to each other in a community.
2. Adjacent or nearby things, places, or regions.

to have everything just so, and Mr. Darling had a passion for being exactly like his neighbours; so, of course, they had a nurse. As they were poor, owing to the amount of milk the children

1. A term of endearment for one's grandmother.
2. Informal British slang for a foolish or weak person.

owing to the amount of milk the children drank, this nurse was a prim Newfoundland dog, called Nana, who had belonged to no one in particular until the Darlings engaged her. She had always thought

1. Looking quickly or secretly, often through a small opening.
2. Making a high-pitched sound, like a bird or small animal.

rather greedily: “Oh, really next I think I’ll have Gay windows all about, With roses peeping in, you know, And babies peeping out.” With a blow of their fists they made windows, and large

1. Fault or blame, especially in a moral or legal context.
2. Guilt or responsibility for a wrongdoing.

no,” Mr. Darling always said, “I am responsible for it all. I, George Darling, did it. Mea culpa, mea culpa.” He had had a classical education. They sat thus night after night recalling that

1. Remembering something from the past.
2. Summoning back or withdrawing a product or person.

Mea culpa, mea culpa.” He had had a classical education. They sat thus night after night recalling that fatal Friday, till every detail of it was stamped on their brains and came through on the

1. The quality of being amusing or funny.
2. A person's state of mind or mood.

Hook remembered Tiger Lily. “Where is the redskin?” he demanded abruptly. He had a playful humour at moments, and they thought this was one of the moments. “That is all right, Captain,” Smee

1. A formal dress, typically worn for special occasions.
2. A loose robe worn by professionals like doctors or judges.

her white evening-gown. She had dressed early because Wendy so loved to see her in her evening-gown, with the necklace George had given her. She was wearing Wendy’s bracelet on her arm; she had

1. A decorative band or chain worn around the wrist or arm.
2. A piece of jewelry often made of metal, beads, or other materials.

Wendy’s bracelet on her arm; she had asked for the loan of it. Wendy so loved to lend her bracelet to her mother. She had found her two older children playing at being herself and father on the

1. A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
2. A powerful and destructive windstorm characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud.

in the nursery. They go on with their recollections. “It was then that I rushed in like a tornado, wasn’t it?” Mr. Darling would say, scorning himself; and indeed he had been like a tornado.

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

that I rushed in like a tornado, wasn’t it?” Mr. Darling would say, scorning himself; and indeed he had been like a tornado. Perhaps there was some excuse for him. He, too, had been dressing for

1. Past tense of "fling" – threw or tossed something forcefully.
2. Moved or pushed suddenly and violently.

again, and if I don’t go to the office again, you and I starve, and our children will be flung into the streets.” Even then Mrs. Darling was placid. “Let me try, dear,” she said, and indeed

1. To play or frolic in a lively, energetic way.
2. A lively, playful, or carefree activity.

rather sweet, don’t you think, George?” “And they were ours, ours, and now they are gone.” The romp had ended with the appearance of Nana, and most unluckily Mr. Darling collided against her,

1. A person who travels from place to place mending metal utensils.
2. To make small, experimental changes or repairs.

dead.” Really, he thought they had now talked enough about fairies, and it struck him that Tinker Bell was keeping very quiet. “I can’t think where she has gone to,” he said, rising, and he

1. To make slight, sharp sounds, like a small bell.
2. To work lightly or casually, often with small repairs.

both listened. “The only sound I hear,” said Wendy, “is like a tinkle of bells.” “Well, that’s Tink, that’s the fairy language. I think I hear her too.” The sound came from the chest of drawers,

1. A deep container for holding liquids, typically with a handle and spout.
2. (Slang) A prison or jail.

are you?” She was in a jug for the moment, and liking it extremely; she had never been in a jug before. “Oh, do come out of that jug, and tell me, do you know where they put my shadow?” The

1. A small metal or plastic cap worn on the finger to protect it while sewing.
2. A short metal tube used in mechanical or electrical applications.

when you give it to me,” he replied stiffly; and not to hurt his feelings she gave him a thimble. “Now,” said he, “shall I give you a kiss?” and she replied with a slight primness, “If you

1. Mythical, magical beings often depicted as small, winged, and human-like.
2. Supernatural creatures in folklore associated with nature and enchantment.

back into her childhood she just remembered a Peter Pan who was said to live with the fairies. There were odd stories about him; as that when children died he went part of the way with them,

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

getting a start. They recalled with contempt that not so long ago they had thought themselves fine fellows for being able to fly round a room. Not so long ago. But how long ago? They were

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

tell him her name. “I’m Wendy,” she said agitatedly. He was very sorry. “I say, Wendy,” he whispered to her, “always if you see me forgetting you, just keep on saying ‘I’m Wendy,’ and then I’ll

1. A light, playful sound, like a flute or whistle.
2. A term of endearment or nickname.

his nature had sweetened it, so that he was quite the humblest of the boys. Poor kind Tootles, there is danger in the air for you tonight. Take care lest an adventure is now offered you,

1. The pointed ends or tips of a pen, especially fountain pens, that come into contact with writing surfaces.
2. Small pieces or fragments, often of food like chocolate or candy.

of mothers, the subject being forbidden by him as silly. “All I remember about my mother,” Nibs told them, “is that she often said to father, ‘Oh, how I wish I had a chequebook of my own.’ I

1. A term of endearment or nickname, often for someone named Smith.
2. A character in J.M. Barrie's play "Peter Pan," also known as Slightly Soiled.

he wiped instead of his weapon. “Johnny’s a silent fellow,” he reminded Hook. “Not now, Smee,” Hook said darkly. “He is only one, and I want to mischief all the seven. Scatter and look for

1. A large aquatic reptile with a long snout, strong jaws, and thick skin, found in tropical regions.
2. Leather made from the skin of a crocodile, used in fashion.

scorn upon the other. Then again he frowned. “Peter flung my arm,” he said, wincing, “to a crocodile that happened to be passing by.” “I have often,” said Smee, “noticed your strange dread of

1. Having curls or a curved shape.
2. (Of hair) Formed in tight waves or spirals.

still in a frightful faint; but from overhead came a wailing note. “Listen to Tink,” said Curly, “she is crying because the Wendy lives.” Then they had to tell Peter of Tink’s crime, and almost

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

It was an anxious moment when the glass thing was withdrawn. “How is she?” inquired Peter. “Tut, tut, tut,” said Slightly, “this has cured her.” “I am glad,” Peter cried. “I will call again in

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

With a blow of their fists they made windows, and large yellow leaves were the blinds. But roses—? “Roses,” cried Peter sternly. Quickly they made-believe to grow the loveliest roses up the

1. A vertical structure for venting smoke from a fireplace or furnace.
2. A narrow opening or passage, often in rock formations.

looked at each other. “A chimney!” they both exclaimed. They had indeed discovered the chimney of the home under the ground. It was the custom of the boys to stop it with a mushroom when

1. Smiled or spoke in a mocking or scornful way.
2. Showed contempt or derision through facial expression.

not unmoved. “Listen to them,” he said; “it is very gratifying.” “Lot of little boys,” sneered Liza. “There were several adults today,” he assured her with a faint flush; but when she tossed

1. A seat without a back or arms, typically with three or four legs.
2. Feces; waste matter discharged from the bowels.

go fishing, and in this floor grew stout mushrooms of a charming colour, which were used as stools. A Never tree tried hard to grow in the centre of the room, but every morning they sawed the

1. Heavy, dense, and filling food, often bland or unappetizing.
2. Something dull, tedious, or lacking in excitement.

upon Peter’s whim. He could eat, really eat, if it was part of a game, but he could not stodge just to feel stodgy, which is what most children like better than anything else; the next best

1. A narrow, steep-sided ravine or valley, often formed by erosion.
2. A dry creek bed or wash, typically in arid regions.

The difficulty is which one to choose. Should we take the brush with the redskins at Slightly Gulch? It was a sanguinary affair, and especially interesting as showing one of Peter’s peculiarities,

1. A shallow body of water separated from a larger sea by sandbars or coral reefs.
2. A small freshwater lake near a larger lake or river.

will stand still. Of course the Neverlands vary a good deal. John’s, for instance, had a lagoon with flamingoes flying over it at which John was shooting, while Michael, who was very small, had

1. Mythical sea creatures with the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish.
2. Often depicted as beautiful and enchanting in folklore and fairy tales.

be flying about with me saying funny things to the stars.” “Oo!” “And, Wendy, there are mermaids.” “Mermaids! With tails?” “Such long tails.” “Oh,” cried Wendy, “to see a mermaid!” He had become

1. A mythical sea creature with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
2. A symbol or decorative figure resembling this creature, often used in art or folklore.

what had been happening. It was really rather irritating to children who had never seen a mermaid. “And if he forgets them, so quickly,” Wendy argued, “how can we expect that he will go on

1. Pirates or sea robbers who attack ships.
2. People abandoned or stranded, especially on a deserted island.

1. Awakened from sleep or inactivity.
2. Stirred to action or emotion.

to drown. They drown when the tide rises, for then it is submerged. Of course she should have roused the children at once; not merely because of the unknown that was stalking toward them, but

1. Marine invertebrates that form colonies and secrete calcium carbonate to build reefs.
2. The hard, colorful skeleton of these organisms, often used in jewelry.

is always more or less an island, with astonishing splashes of colour here and there, and coral reefs and rakish-looking craft in the offing, and savages and lonely lairs, and gnomes who are

1. Taking small bites or gentle chewing (e.g., nibbling on a snack).
2. Persistent but minor criticism or annoyance.

houses on the mainland), and he heard the bells. Steadily the waters rose till they were nibbling at his feet; and to pass the time until they made their final gulp, he watched the only thing

1. To swallow quickly or greedily.
2. A large mouthful of liquid.

rose till they were nibbling at his feet; and to pass the time until they made their final gulp, he watched the only thing moving on the lagoon. He thought it was a piece of floating paper,

1. A lightweight toy flown in the wind on a string.
2. A bird of prey with long wings and a forked tail.

had made some days before. It had torn itself out of his hand and floated away. “Michael’s kite,” Peter said without interest, but next moment he had seized the tail, and was pulling the kite

1. The sound a duck makes.
2. (Informal) Talking loudly or foolishly.

“What are you quacking about?” Peter answered. “Why don’t you let the nest drift as usual?” “I—want—you—” the bird

1. Moved or waved quickly and lightly (e.g., leaves, wings).
2. Felt nervous or excited (e.g., heart fluttered with joy).

the arrow to his bow. “Out of the way, Tink,” he shouted; and then he fired, and Wendy fluttered to the ground with an arrow in her breast.

1. A narrow strip of wood forming part of the sides of a barrel or similar container.
2. A verse or stanza in a poem or song.

of him; and, alas, Peter crowed his agreement with her. Then he got into the nest, reared the stave in it as a mast, and hung up his shirt for a sail. At the same moment the bird fluttered down

1. The upper edge of a hollow container, like a cup or bowl.
2. The projecting edge of a hat.

was still there, and on it Starkey had hung his hat, a deep tarpaulin, watertight, with a broad brim. Peter put the eggs into this hat and set it on the lagoon. It floated beautifully. The Never

1. A small bed for a baby, often on rockers.
2. The place where something begins or develops.

“I must have somebody in a cradle,” she said almost tartly, “and you are the littlest. A cradle is such a nice homely thing to have about a house.” While she sewed they played around her; such

1. A preserved dead body, especially from ancient Egypt.
2. (Informal) A term of endearment for one's mother, chiefly British.

dancer among them, but he pretended to be scandalised. “Me! My old bones would rattle.” “And mummy too.” “What,” cried Wendy, “the mother of such an armful, dance!” “But on a Saturday night,”

1. Very; extremely (e.g., "awfully nice").
2. In a terrible or dreadful manner (e.g., "behaved awfully").

the night-lights by the beds of the three children continued to burn clearly. They were awfully nice little night-lights, and one cannot help wishing that they could have kept awake to see

1. A hard-shelled fruit of certain tropical plants, often dried and used as a container.
2. A musical instrument made from the dried shell of this fruit.

and undoubtedly gave them too much. Of course it was only water, but it was out of a calabash, and she always shook the calabash and counted the drops, which gave it a certain medicinal

1. Lacking moral principles; dishonest or unethical.
2. Not restrained by scruples; willing to act unfairly for personal gain.

Are Carried Off The pirate attack had been a complete surprise: a sure proof that the unscrupulous Hook had conducted it improperly, for to surprise redskins fairly is beyond the wit of the white

1. Sharp intelligence or cleverness.
2. The ability to express humor or quick, amusing remarks.

the unscrupulous Hook had conducted it improperly, for to surprise redskins fairly is beyond the wit of the white man. By all the unwritten laws of savage warfare it is always the redskin who

1. Cunning or craftiness in achieving goals.
2. Skillful deception or slyness.

all the unwritten laws of savage warfare it is always the redskin who attacks, and with the wiliness of his race he does it just before the dawn, at which time he knows the courage of the whites to

1. The movement of the tide out to sea (noun).
2. A gradual decline or reduction in intensity (noun).

it just before the dawn, at which time he knows the courage of the whites to be at its lowest ebb. The white men have in the meantime made a rude stockade on the summit of yonder undulating

1. The highest point of a hill or mountain.
2. A meeting or conference of high-level leaders.

to be at its lowest ebb. The white men have in the meantime made a rude stockade on the summit of yonder undulating ground, at the foot of which a stream runs; for it is destruction to be too

1. A small, wolf-like mammal native to North America.
2. A smuggler who guides people across borders, especially the U.S.-Mexico border.

is to be heard, save when they give vent to a wonderful imitation of the lonely call of the coyote. The cry is answered by other braves; and some of them do it even better than the coyotes, who

1. Extremely or very (often used for emphasis).
2. In a manner causing fear or alarm.

With tails?” “Such long tails.” “Oh,” cried Wendy, “to see a mermaid!” He had become frightfully cunning. “Wendy,” he said, “how we should all respect you.” She was wriggling her body in

1. A feeling of great joy or triumph.
2. The act of rejoicing or celebrating enthusiastically.

“It’s the wickedest, prettiest policy ever I heard of,” he cried, and in their exultation they danced and sang: “Avast, belay, when I appear, By fear they’re overtook; Nought’s left upon

1. A large building divided into apartments, often in poor condition.
2. (Historical) A property held by a tenant under a lease.

was as silent below as above; the house under the ground seemed to be but one more empty tenement in the void. Was that boy asleep, or did he stand waiting at the foot of Slightly’s tree, with

1. A loose outer garment without sleeves, worn over other clothing.
2. Something that hides or covers, like a disguise or concealment.

to her to conceal herself with the others, and himself took her place by the mast, her cloak around him so that he should pass for her. Then he took a great breath and crowed. To the pirates

1. A sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal.
2. A mechanical device resembling an animal's claw, used for gripping.

enabled him to smoke two cigars at once. But undoubtedly the grimmest part of him was his iron claw. Let us now kill a pirate, to show Hook’s method. Skylights will do. As they pass, Skylights

1. A long, flat piece of timber used in construction or flooring.
2. A fundamental principle or policy of a political party.

brain. “We will seize the children and carry them to the boat: the boys we will make walk the plank, and Wendy shall be our mother.” Again Wendy forgot herself. “Never!” she cried, and bobbed.

1. A method of cooking food over an open flame or hot coals.
2. A social gathering where food is cooked and eaten outdoors.

not to desert them. As for Peter, he seized his sword, the same he thought he had slain Barbecue with; and the lust of battle was in his eye.

1. A deceptive move or feint in sports to evade an opponent.
2. To trick or mislead someone.

which dusky mothers still terrify their children on the banks of the Guadjo-mo. Here is Bill Jukes, every inch of him tattooed, the same Bill Jukes who got six dozen on the Walrus from Flint

1. A high-pitched, harsh cry or sound.
2. To make a loud, sharp, shrill noise.

him, ruffling his lace collar; the hook shoots forth, there is a tearing sound and one screech, then the body is kicked aside, and the pirates pass on. He has not even taken the cigars from

1. A simple, quick drawing made absentmindedly or while thinking of other things.
2. To scribble or draw aimlessly, often as a form of distraction or relaxation.

his dogs with a gesture. “S’death and odds fish,” he thundered, “who is to bring me that doodle-doo?” “Wait till Cecco comes out,” growled Starkey, and the others took up the cry. “I think I

1. Informal term for feces or excrement.
2. Short for "doo-wop," a style of rhythm and blues music.

Seizing a lantern and raising his claw with a menacing gesture, “I’ll bring out that doodle-doo myself,” he said, and sped into the cabin. “Five.” How Slightly longed to say it. He wetted his

1. A shelter or house for a dog.
2. A place where dogs are bred or boarded.

to show who was master in that house, and when commands would not draw Nana from the kennel, he lured her out of it with honeyed words, and seizing her roughly, dragged her from the

1. Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
2. A feeling of sorrow or repentance for past actions.

“And, George,” she said timidly, “you are as full of remorse as ever, aren’t you?” “Full of remorse as ever, dearest! See my punishment: living in a kennel.” “But it is punishment, isn’t it,

1. Looked quickly or furtively.
2. Made a faint, high-pitched sound like a small bird.

boys.” Now Wendy was every inch a woman, though there were not very many inches, and she peeped out of the bedclothes. “Do you really think so, Peter?” “Yes, I do.” “I think it’s perfectly

1. A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
2. A person or thing of no importance.

“Rather not. Twin, what do you think?” It turned out that not one of them thought him a cipher; and he was absurdly gratified, and said he would find space for them all in the drawing-room if

1. A large black bird known for its intelligence and loud cawing sound.
2. To boast or brag loudly about something.

heard a sound which made the heart of every one of them rise to his mouth. They heard Peter crow. “Peter!” they cried, for it was always thus that he signalled his return. “Hide her,” they