bố lém
Definition
- Adjective:
- Talkative, chatty: "bố lém" describes a person, typically a man or boy, who talks a lot, often in a rapid, incessant, or indiscreet manner. It carries a slightly vulgar or informal nuance.
- Gossipy, blabbermouth: It can imply a tendency to talk too much about things that should perhaps be kept private or to reveal secrets.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Thằng bé đó bố lém lắm, nói cả ngày không ngừng. (That boy is so talkative, he talks all day without stopping.)
- Đừng kể chuyện đó với anh ta, anh ta nổi tiếng là bố lém. (Don't tell that story to him; he's famously a blabbermouth.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is informal and can be considered slightly coarse or vulgar. It is more commonly used in spoken language than in formal writing.
- It is often used in a teasing or mildly critical way among peers or when talking about children.
Variants and Related Words
- Lém lỉnh (adj): This is a more standard and less vulgar adjective meaning "clever, witty, or sly." It does not carry the primary meaning of being overly talkative.
- Lắm lời (adj): Talkative, loquacious. A more neutral term for someone who speaks a lot.
- Ba hoa (v): To boast, to talk big, to chatter idly. This verb focuses more on empty or boastful talk.
Synonyms
- Nhiều chuyện: Meddlesome, gossipy (implies talking about others' affairs).
- Lắm mồm: Talkative (informal, can be critical).
Related Idioms or Phrases
- While "bố lém" itself is not typically part of a larger idiom, its meaning relates to concepts of excessive talk.
- Ăn không nói có: To fabricate stories (literally: to say there is when there isn't). This describes dishonest talk, which a "bố lém" person might be accused of.