ôn vật
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Imp, little devil: A term used to refer to a mischievous, naughty, or unruly child, often in a scolding or mildly insulting context.
- Brat, rascal: Can denote a child who is being troublesome or overly noisy.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thằng bé đó đúng là một đứa ôn vật! (That boy is a real little devil!)
- Đám ôn vật ấy lại làm ồn ngoài sân. (Those brats are making noise in the yard again.)
- Bà cụ mắng lũ trẻ: "Cút đi, đồ ôn vật!" (The old lady scolded the children: "Get lost, you imps!")
Advanced Usage
- The term ôn vật is inherently derogatory and is used almost exclusively as a noun of direct address or description when reprimanding. It carries a stronger negative connotation than simply "mischievous child."
- It is often used by adults (e.g., parents, elders) toward children who are being particularly disruptive or disobedient.
Variants and Related Words
- Ôn con (n): A very close synonym with the same meaning (imp, brat). This is the variant noted in the Vietnamese-Vietnamese dictionary reference.
- Nó là một đứa ôn con khó bảo. (He is a disobedient brat.)
Synonyms
- Tinh quái (adj/n): Mischievous, sly (can describe a person or their nature).
- Nghịch ngợm (adj): Naughty, playful (generally less harsh than ôn vật).
- Ranh con (n): Brat, urchin (colloquial, also derogatory).
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning revolves around a child exhibiting bad, disruptive behavior. It is not used for adults in a literal sense, though it could be used metaphorically in rare, exaggerated contexts.
- The term originates from "ôn" (a malevolent spirit or pestilence in folklore) and "vật" (creature), literally meaning a "pestilential creature," which emphasizes its use as a strong insult for behavior.
- Imp, little devil