Edmund White

The French are pretty thin-skinned. The few times I mentioned a French writer in 'City Boy,' the relatives would ring up in high dudgeon. I once wrote a mocking review of Marguerite Duras in the 'New York Review of Books,' and good friends of mine in France got very angry.

American Novelist

Indicates a strong, often exaggerated feeling of indignation or annoyance.

Emotional Intensity

Used to create a dramatic or comedic impact, especially in literary works.

Dramatic Effect

Rarely used in everyday conversations; more suited for written text.

Not for Dialogues

Refers to the type of wood used, with historical applications for tool handles.

Material Specificity

Knowledge of historical craftsmanship enhances the understanding of this term.

Historical Context

It's a term not commonly known today, mostly of interest to historians or enthusiasts.

Dudgeon