Emma Puff's Secrets
 

Biscuits (n.)

Small flat sweet crisp cakes that go well with tea for Emma or savory treats for Rusty. 

​

Bloomers (n.)

An old-fashioned piece of women’s underwear like long loose underpants.

​

Bonnet (n.)

The hinged metal lid covering a car or truck engine. 

​

Bramble bush (n.)

Any rough prickly shrub that contains sharp thorns such as berry bushes.

​

Bum (n.)

The part of the body you sit on. Can also be called backside, bottom, or behind

​

Dollop (n.)

Typically used to describe a small amount of food that falls off a spoon, like a dollop of whipped cream. During Emma’s food fight, it is a name given in fun to an opponent.

​

Elixir (n.)

A liquid with magical powers to cure, improve, or preserve something.

​

Fairy lights (n.)

Decorative tiny electric lights on a wire are traditionally hung during the holidays outside. They are also called Christmas lights.

​

Fiddle-faddle (exclamation) 

Old Emma’s exclamation that means it is nonsense or of very little importance.

​

Fiddlesticks (exclamation)

An old-fashioned word used to express disappointment or frustration. 

​

Fizzy pop (n.)

A drink with bubbles in it, like a cola or soda.

​

Jumble Sale (n.)

 A sale with a wide variety of cheap second-hand items. Also known as a rummage or yard sale. 

 

Lamp Post (n.)

A tall, sometimes fancy, pole with a bright light to guide pedestrians and cars at night.

 

Lorry (n.)

A large vehicle used for carrying heavy loads over roadways.

​

Mince Pie (n.)

A dessert traditionally served in many English-speaking countries at Christmastime. They are filled with mincemeat which is made up of fruit, spices, and suet.

​

Mum (n.)

The British informal word for “mother.” 

​

Piddle (v.) 

The act of peeing or urinating

​

Plonking (v.)

An informal word describing the act of sitting down heavily, carelessly, and without ceremony. Example: You stupid car!” she yelled on her last attempt, before throwing the crank down and plonking herself down onto the floor.

​

Trivet (n.)

A small plate that is placed under a hot dish to protect a table.

​

Wool (n.)

Heavy or thick thread or fabric that is most often made from animal hair.  

​

Purple sphere (n.)

Mysterious purple seed-like balls that glow with magical powers. They were first discovered by Emma and Rusty near their cabin and used to create life-changing elixirs.

​

Podgy (adj.)

Refers to someone or a body part that is short and chubby. Example: George had a large podgy nose.

 

Poppycock (n.)

A slang term meaning something is nonsense. Often used to show strong disagreement.

​

Pound Sterling (n.)

The basic unit of British money. 

​

Pygamas (n.)

Soft clothing worn to bed usually includes a top and trousers. 

​

Social Services (n.)

The local or government agency that gives assistance to the elderly, orphans, sick, and others who need help.

​

Specs (n.)

A shortened version of the British English word spectacles. You may know them as eyeglasses.

 

Tablets (n.)

The form of medicine that can be easily swallowed, i.e. aspirin tablets. 

​

Tea (n.)

1. A beverage made by pouring boiling water over tea leaves. It is frequently served with milk and sugar.

2. In the United Kingdom, it can also refer to a small afternoon or early evening meal often consisting of small sandwiches, biscuits, and tea to drink.

​

Tin Lizzie (n.)

A name given to a very old car, usually an antique Ford from the early 20th Century.

​

Trainers (n.)

Shoes that are generally used in sports or with informal attire. 

​

Trifle (n.)

A dessert served cold consisting of cake and fruit with layers of jelly, custard, and cream.

​

Tyre (n.)

The rubber covering on the wheels of a motor vehicle. 

​

Welly boot (n.)

Welly boots are waterproof footwear that is especially good for wearing in wet or muddy places “Wellies” got their name from their inventor, Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington. They may also be called galoshes or rain boots.