ỏn thót
Definition
- Verb:
- To insinuate, to whisper slander: The primary meaning of "ỏn thót" is to speak in a flattering, insinuating, or whispering manner with the intent to slander, backbite, or create division between people. It implies using subtle, often deceitful, speech to plant negative ideas.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ta thích ỏn thót về đồng nghiệp với sếp. (She likes to insinuate things about her colleagues to the boss.)
- Đừng nghe những lời ỏn thót nhằm chia rẽ tình bạn. (Don't listen to the slanderous whispers meant to break up the friendship.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often used in contexts describing toxic social behavior, gossip, or palace intrigue where characters subtly poison others' minds.
Variants and Related Words
- Nịnh nọt (v): to flatter, to fawn. (This is a component of the meaning of "ỏn thót," which combines flattery with slander.)
- Gièm pha (v): to slander, to defame.
- Xúi giục (v): to incite, to instigate.
Synonyms
- To slander insidiously
- To backbite
- To whisper maliciously
- To speak with forked tongue
Related Idioms
- Nói xấu sau lưng: to speak ill behind someone's back. This is a closely related concept, though "ỏn thót" specifically adds a layer of flattery or subtle insinuation to the speaker's approach.
