B2TV Show
Breaking Bad
2008–2013 · AMC
12 key words from Breaking Bad — learn them before you watch for a much richer experience.
Word
Meaning
Example
hubrisn
excessive pride that leads to downfall
Walt's hubris is his most dangerous quality.
moral compassn
a person's inner sense of right and wrong
Walt's moral compass breaks down episode by episode.
manipulationn
controlling people using dishonest methods
Walt is a master of emotional manipulation.
empiren
a large, powerful organisation under one person's control
Walt builds a drug empire across the Southwest.
consequencen
the result or effect of an action
Walt refuses to accept the consequences of his choices.
DEAn
Drug Enforcement Administration (US law enforcement)
Hank works for the DEA and investigates Heisenberg.
confessionn
admitting you have done something wrong
Walt's taped confession is a chilling scene.
chemistryn
the science of substances and reactions / also: connection
Walt's chemistry knowledge is what starts everything.
rationalisev
to invent logical reasons for something you know is wrong
Walt rationalises every bad decision he makes.
leveragen
power used to influence or control people
Walt uses secrets as leverage over those around him.
deterioratev
to become progressively worse
Walt's relationships deteriorate as the show progresses.
egon
a person's sense of their own importance
Walt's ego grows uncontrollably as Heisenberg.
12 words · B2 · TV Show
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Study tip
Every character has a distinct way of speaking. Jesse's slang vs. Walt's academic language is worth analysing deliberately.
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