Mèo Trắng

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • White Hmong: The term "Mèo Trắng" is an ethnonym used in Vietnam to refer to a specific subgroup of the Hmong (or Mông) ethnic group, distinguished by aspects of traditional dress, dialect, or customs. The name translates literally as "White Cat," but this is a historical exonym; the group's self-designation and the preferred modern term is "Hmong Trắng" or "White Hmong."
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Người Mèo Trắng sinh sống chủ yếu ở các tỉnh miền núi phía Bắc. (The White Hmong people live mainly in the northern mountainous provinces.)
    • Trang phục truyền thống của người Mèo Trắng rất sặc sỡ. (The traditional costume of the White Hmong people is very colorful.)
Important Note on Usage
  • The term "Mèo" was historically used by the Kinh (ethnic Vietnamese) majority to refer to the Hmong people but is now generally considered outdated and potentially pejorative. In modern, respectful discourse and official contexts, the terms "Người Mông" (Hmong people) or the specific subgroup name "Hmong Trắng" (White Hmong) are strongly preferred over "Mèo Trắng."
Variants and Related Words
  • Hmong Trắng (n): The modern and preferred term for the White Hmong subgroup.
  • Người Mông (n): The general, respectful term for the Hmong ethnic group.
  • Mèo Đen (n): Historical exonym for the Black Hmong subgroup (modern: Hmong Đen).
  • Dân tộc Mông (n): The Hmong ethnic group.
Synonyms
  • White Hmong: The direct English translation and the appropriate ethnonym.