Of Mice and Men Vocabulary - Chapter 2 - Vocabulary and Definitions (Pages 25-32)

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

Vocabulary list and definitions for Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men, covering selected phrases from pages 25 to 32. Entries explain key wording and idiomatic expressions used by characters, including descriptions of a drag-footed dog, local slang and misunderstandings, conflict-related terms, and brief notes correcting or clarifying wording. Additional items define physical actions, character traits such as pugnacity and cockiness, and references to working ranch life, including boxing, gossip, and consequences in the workplace.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Page 25

Page 26

Page 27

Page 28

Page 29

Page 30

Page 31

Key clarifications and slang notes

Of Mice and Men Vocabulary: Chapter 2, Pages 25-32 Page 25 1) “And at his heels there walked a drag-footed sheepdog, gray of muzzle…”: Drag-footed: It drags its feet. It cannot pick up its feet. Muzzle: The part of the dog’s head where its nose and mouth are. 2) I jus’now finished swampin' out the wash house." : Washing out the bath house. 3) "I don’t like nobody to get nosey." : Interfering in the affairs of other people. 4) “I ain’t interested in nothing you was sayin’. A guy on a ranch don’t never listen nor he don’t ast no questions." : I’m not interested in anything you were saying. A guy on a ranch never listens nor asks any questions. 5) "Damn right he don’t," said George, slightly mollified : Calmed, appeased. 6) He stood his broom against the wall and he rubbed his white bristled cheek with his knuckles. Bristled cheek Page 26 1) "Pretty good. Seemed awright." : He seemed alright. 2) "Seen my old man?" : Have you seen my father? 3) His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious: Glance: A quick look. Pugnacious: Conflictive, looking for a fight. 4) "Let the big gay talk." : This is a typo! It should say: “Let the big guy talk.” 5) George said, "S’pose he don't want to talk?" : Suppose he doesn’t want to talk? 6)“What the hell are you gettin’ into it for?" : Why are you getting involved in it? Page 27 1) "Say, what the hell’s he got on his shoulder?”: What’s his problem? Why is he angry? 2) "Curley’s pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring.” : He likes to fight. He’s done a lot of boxing. 3) “He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys” : He’s always picking fights with big guys. Page 28 1) “S'pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body says what a game guy Curley is” : Suppose Curley beats up a big guy. Everybody says that Curley is a cool guy. 2) He’d slough me: He’d punch me. 3) Won’t ever get canned’cause his old man’s the boss: He will never be fired because his father is the boss. 4) Seems like CurIey is cockier’n ever since he got married: Arrogant, showing off. 5) The swamper warmed to his gossip: Chisme. Page 29 1) "Purty?" he asked casually: Pretty 2) Well--she got the eye: She looks at men and flirts with them. 3) Slim's a jerkline skinner: The lead driver of a team of mules. 4) Well, I think Curley's married . . . . a tart. Tart: A woman who dresses or behaves in a way that is considered tasteless and sexually provocative. Page 30 1) He built four clubs on his ace pile. 2) A sound of jingling harness and the croak of heavy-laden axles sounded from outside: jingling: A ringing sound made by metal or bells. Axle 3) Look, Lennie. This here ain't no set up: I’m not pretending. I’m not kidding you. 4) He's gonna take a sock at you the first chance he gets: Punch you. 5) If he tangles with you, Lennie, we're gonna get the can: If he fights with you, we’ll be fired. Page 31 1) That won't do you no good if Curley wants to plug himself up for a fighter:…if Curley wants to prove he’s a good fighter. 2) Don't let him pull you in. But if the son-of-a-bitch socks you- let 'im have it: Don’t let him provoke you. But if the *** punches you, fight him back.

FAQs

What does “drag-footed” mean in this vocabulary list?

It means a dog drags its feet and cannot pick up its feet.

How does the list interpret George’s line “I don’t like nobody to get nosey”?

It means interfering in other people’s affairs, or prying into things that aren’t yours.

What clarification or correction is noted for “Let the big gay talk” on page 26?

It states this is a typo and should read “Let the big guy talk.”

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret