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
