1. punt

speculate in shares, bet money on a horse, etc; gamble

2.anomaly

something that is noticeable because it is different from what is usual

3.fritter something away

waste (esp one's time or money) foolishly (on small useless things)

4.pepper

~sb/sth with sth hit sb/sth repeatedly with small objects

5. dabble

take part without serious intentions

6.caricatured

make or give a caricature of (sb/sth)

7.instigate

to make a process start, especially one relating to law or politics