ôn con
Definition
- Noun:
- Little devil, imp: A term used to refer to a mischievous, naughty, or disrespectful child, often used in a scolding or affectionate, teasing manner. It implies the child is being troublesome or cheeky.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thằng bé này đúng là một ôn con, suốt ngày nghịch phá. (This boy is a real little devil, causing mischief all day.)
- Đừng có làm ôn con nữa, ngồi yên nào! (Stop being an imp, sit still!)
- "Ôn con!" - mẹ mắng khi thấy tôi làm đổ sữa. ("You little devil!" - mom scolded when she saw me spill the milk.)
Advanced Usage
- Used primarily in spoken Vietnamese, often by adults (parents, elders) when addressing or talking about a misbehaving child. The tone can range from serious scolding to affectionate exasperation, depending on context and intonation.
- It is more common in Northern Vietnamese dialects.
Variants and Related Words
- Ôn vật (n): A very similar term meaning a mischievous creature or imp, also used to scold a naughty child. It is slightly stronger and less affectionate than "ôn con".
- Thằng ôn vật, lại trèo cây nữa à? (You little imp, climbing the tree again?)
Synonyms
- Quỷ sứ (n): Little devil, brat. (A stronger, more severe term).
- Nghịch tử (n): Mischievous child. (A more formal/literary term).
- Ranh con (n): Brat, whippersnapper. (Emphasizes immaturity and cheekiness).
Related Idioms/Phrases
- (Chửi/ mắng) đồ ôn con: (To scold someone as) a little devil.
- Bà ấy mắng thằng bé là đồ ôn con. (She scolded the boy, calling him a little devil.)
- Tính khí ôn con: Having an impish/mischievous temperament.
- Nó có tính khí ôn con lắm. (He has a very impish temperament.)
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Little devil, imp
