Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Glib: Speaking or spoken in a smooth, fluent, and often superficially convincing way, but lacking sincerity or depth. It implies a readiness with words that can be insincere or overly clever.
   • Voluble / Loquacious: Talking fluently, readily, and at length; characterized by a great flow of speech. This meaning focuses more on the quantity and ease of speech rather than its insincerity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ đó bẻo lẻo, cãi lại lời người lớn. (That child is glib, talking back to adults.)
  • Anh ta có cái miệng bẻo lẻo, hứa hẹn đủ điều. (He has a glib tongue, promising all sorts of things.)
  • Cô ấy trả lời một cách bẻo lẻo mà không cần suy nghĩ. (She answered in a glib manner without thinking.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a negative connotation, criticizing someone for being too slick or disrespectful with their words, especially a child speaking to an elder.
• It can describe speech that is quick and clever but ultimately shallow, deceptive, or impertinent.

Variants and Related Words

• Bẻo: (less common) Can be a shortened, colloquial form implying a similar meaning of being cheeky or talkative.
• Lẻo: (less common) Sometimes used separately to describe something thin or fluid, but in this compound, it contributes to the meaning of fluent, effortless speech.

Synonyms

• Glib: (closest match) Fluent but insincere or shallow.
• Voluble: Talking easily and at length.
• Loquacious: Very talkative.
• Facile: (especially of speech) Arrived at without due care or effort; superficial.
• Cheeky / Impertinent: Showing a lack of respect, often through speech.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Miệng bẻo lẻo / Mồm bẻo lẻo: A glib mouth; used to describe a person who is habitually glib or talkative in a disrespectful way.
  • Đừng có cái miệng bẻo lẻo với mẹ. (Don't be glib with your mother.)
• Bẻo lẻo như khướu: As glib/talkative as a laughingthrush (a bird known for its chatter); a simile emphasizing extreme talkativeness.

adj

1. Glib