Definition

1. Noun:
   • A deceased bachelor: In Vietnamese folk belief, "ông mãnh" refers to the spirit of a young man who died unmarried. This term carries cultural and spiritual connotations.
   • (Figurative) A mischievous youth: By extension, "ông mãnh" can be used to describe a lively, playful, or mischievous young man, often implying cleverness and a bit of naughtiness.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal - spirit):

  • Trong tín ngưỡng dân gian, người ta thường cúng cho các ông mãnh để họ không quấy phá. (In folk belief, people often make offerings to deceased bachelors so they do not cause trouble.)
  • Ngôi mộ đó là của một ông mãnh trong làng. (That grave belongs to a deceased bachelor from the village.)

• Noun (Figurative - person):

  • Thằng bé đó đúng là một ông mãnh, nghịch ngợm suốt ngày. (That boy is truly a mischievous youth, playful all day long.)
  • Anh ta có vẻ ngoài nghiêm túc nhưng thực ra là một ông mãnh. (He looks serious on the outside but is actually a mischievous fellow.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is deeply rooted in Vietnamese animist and ancestor worship traditions. The spirit of an "ông mãnh" is sometimes thought to be restless or potentially troublesome because he died without continuing the family line, lacking descendants to worship him.
• In its figurative sense, calling a young man an "ông mãnh" is often humorous or affectionate, highlighting his energetic and clever nature, though it can sometimes carry a slight tone of admonishment for being too playful.

Variants and Related Words

• Mãnh (adj/n): This root can imply strength, fierceness, or a sudden, forceful nature. In the context of "ông mãnh", it relates to the potentially powerful or unrestful nature of the spirit or the vigorousness of the youth.
• Cô hồn: This is a more general term for a "wandering soul" or a ghost without descendants. An "ông mãnh" is a specific type of "cô hồn".

Synonyms

• Literal meaning: (spirit of a young man who died single).
• Figurative meaning: (mischievous youth), (playful young man).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Phá như ông mãnh: To be as destructive/mischievous as a "ông mãnh". This phrase directly uses the figurative sense to emphasize extreme playfulness or naughtiness.
  • Lũ trẻ chơi trong phòng khách, phá như ông mãnh. (The children played in the living room, being as destructive as mischievous spirits.)

1. Deceased bachelor.
2. (bóng) Mischievious youth