Definition

1. Verb:

   • To slap (on the head or face): To hit someone quickly and sharply with the open hand, typically on the head or cheek.
   • To snatch off (from the head): To remove something, like a hat or piece of cloth, from someone's head abruptly and forcefully.

2. Adjective (descriptive state):

   • Bristling / standing on end: Used to describe hair that is standing straight up, often due to fear, shock, or running very fast.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to slap):

  • Ông ấy bợp vào đầu đứa trẻ nghịch ngợm. (He slapped the mischievous child on the head.)
  • Nó bị bợp cho một cái vì thái độ hỗn xược. (He got slapped for his insolent attitude.)

• Verb (to snatch off):

  • Gió mạnh bợp chiếc mũ của anh ta bay đi. (The strong wind snatched his hat off.)

• Adjective (bristling):

  • Sợ quá, tóc gáy nó dựng bợp lên. (He was so scared the hair on his neck stood straight up.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "bợp" is informal and carries a sense of sudden, sharp action. It is often used in contexts of light punishment, surprise, or swift physical action.

Variants and Related Words

• Bạt tai (v): A more common synonym meaning to slap on the cheek or side of the head.
• Giật (v): To snatch or jerk away, but not specific to the head.
• Dựng đứng (adj): To stand erect (for hair), similar to the adjectival use of "bợp."

Synonyms

• Slap: To strike with the open hand.
• Snatch: To take away quickly and forcefully.
• Bristle: (For hair) to stand stiffly upright.

Related Idioms and Expressions

• Chạy bợp tóc gáy (idiom): To run extremely fast, so fast that the hair on the back of one's neck stands up (literally: to run with bristling neck hair).
  • Nghe tiếng hú, nó chạy bợp tóc gáy về nhà. (Hearing the howl, he ran home with his hair standing on end.)

1. như bớp