Definition

1. Noun:
   • Clique, gang, faction: A group of people united by a common, often negative, purpose or ideology, typically seen as conspiratorial, harmful, or despicable. It carries a strong pejorative connotation.
   • Pack, bunch, crew: Used disparagingly to refer to any group perceived as bad, wretched, or contemptible.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bè lũ phát xít đã gây ra nhiều tội ác. (The fascist gang committed many crimes.)
  • Bè lũ cướp bị cảnh sát bắt giữ. (The gang of robbers was arrested by the police.)
  • Hãy đánh đuổi bè lũ bán nước! (Drive out the pack of traitors!)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in political, polemical, or highly critical contexts to denounce and vilify an opposing group. It implies moral condemnation and is common in propaganda, speeches, and historical narratives about enemies.

Variants and Related Words

• Băng đảng (n): Criminal gang, syndicate. (Often used for organized crime groups.)
• Nhóm (n): Group, team. (Neutral term without negative connotation.)
• Phe cánh (n): Faction, wing. (Often used for political or internal groups within a larger organization.)

Synonyms

• Gang: A group of criminals or wrongdoers.
• Clique: A small, exclusive group of people with shared interests, often viewed negatively.
• Faction: A small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one.
• Pack: Often used for a group of animals, but metaphorically for a disliked group of people.

Related Idioms

• Bè lũ khốn khiếp!: (You) wretched pack! A common exclamation of strong contempt and condemnation towards a group.
  • Bè lũ khốn khiếp! Chúng sẽ phải trả giá. (You wretched pack! They will pay the price.)

noun

1. Clique, gang
   • bè lũ phát xít
     the fascists' gang