Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Making a gurgling or sloshing sound: Describes a sound, typically coming from the stomach or intestines, indicating indigestion, flatulence, or the movement of liquid and gas.
   • Rattling, clunking, or functioning poorly: Used metaphorically to describe a machine, vehicle, or system that is old, broken, or operating inefficiently, producing irregular, unpleasant noises.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sau bữa tiệc, bụng tôi ọc ạch khó chịu. (After the feast, my stomach was gurgling uncomfortably.)
  • Chiếc xe máy cũ kêu ọc ạch mỗi khi khởi động. (The old motorbike rattles and clunks every time it starts.)
  • Hệ thống ống nước nghe ọc ạch cả đêm. (The plumbing system made gurgling sounds all night.)

Advanced Usage

• Describing a state or feeling: Used to express the physical sensation of bloating or indigestion.
  • Cảm giác bụng ọc ạch thật khó tả. (The feeling of a gurgling stomach is hard to describe.)
• Describing inefficient operation: Extends to abstract concepts like an organization or process.
  • Bộ máy hành chính ọc ạch cần được cải tổ. (The clunky administrative machinery needs reform.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ọc ọc (onomatopoeia): A reduplicative form emphasizing a repeated gurgling or pouring sound.
  • Nước chảy ọc ọc từ vòi. (Water gushed noisily from the tap.)
• Ạch ạch (onomatopoeia): Sometimes used similarly, emphasizing a creaking or straining sound.

Synonyms

• Sôi bụng: To have a rumbling stomach.
• Kêu òng ọc: To make a gurgling sound (often for liquids).
• Cọt kẹt: To creak or squeak (for mechanical sounds).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Bụng ọc ạch: A common phrase meaning "to have a gurgling/bloated stomach."
  • Ăn đồ sống dễ bị bụng ọc ạch. (Eating raw food can easily give you a gurgling stomach.)
• Chạy ọc ạch: To run/function poorly (like a vehicle).
  • Xe chạy ọc ạch được vài cây số rồi chết máy. (The car clunked along for a few kilometers and then stalled.)

1. flatulent
   • bụng ọc ạch
     to feel flatulence in one's stomache