brinkmanship - The art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, typically in politics

vile - Extremely unpleasant

pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

Gossip - Informal conversation or stories, often of a trivial or sensational nature, about others.

Swollen - Enlarged beyond normal size, often due to injury, infection, or inflammation.

dicker - Engage in petty argument or bargaining

Miserable - Very unhappy or sad — feeling deep emotional pain or sorrow.

Moron - A person who acts foolishly or shows poor judgment — someone who makes silly or careless mistakes.

Conspiracy - An agreement between people to work together against someone or something, usually in secret, sometimes against the law.

morass - An area of muddy ground - or a complicated or confused situation.

mugger - A person who attacks and robs another in a public place

Machinations - Crafty schemes or plots, especially intended to achieve something deceitful or underhanded; secret or complicated plans, often with a negative or manipulative goal.