Definition

1. Noun:

   • Shank; the lower leg: Specifically refers to the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle. It is a colloquial and somewhat rustic term for this body part.

2. Verb (slang):

   • To beat up; to pummel: A violent slang expression meaning to physically assault someone, typically by hitting or kicking them repeatedly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Tôi bị đau ở cẳng chân sau khi chạy bộ. (I have pain in my shank after jogging.)
  • Vết thương ở cẳng chân cần được băng bó. (The wound on the lower leg needs to be bandaged.)

• Verb:

  • Bọn côn đồ định cẳng chân anh ấy ngay tại quán bar. (The thugs tried to beat him up right at the bar.)
  • Nó bị cẳng chân vì dám nói xấu đàn anh. (He got pummeled for daring to badmouth his senior.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "Thượng cẳng chân, hạ cẳng tay" is an idiom literally meaning "above the shank, below the forearm." It figuratively describes a situation of intense, unrestrained physical fighting or brawling, where all limbs are used to attack.
  • Cuộc ẩu đả nhanh chóng biến thành cảnh thượng cẳng chân hạ cẳng tay. (The scuffle quickly turned into a scene of wild punching and kicking.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cẳng tay (n): forearm.
• Bắp chân (n): calf (the muscular back part of the lower leg).
• Ống chân (n): shin (the front part of the lower leg).

Synonyms

• Noun: shank, lower leg.
• Verb (slang): to beat up, to thrash, to pummel, to assault.

Related Idioms

• Thượng cẳng chân, hạ cẳng tay: To engage in a no-holds-barred fight; to use any means necessary in a physical altercation.
  • Hai đứa trẻ tranh giành đồ chơi đến mức thượng cẳng chân hạ cẳng tay. (The two children fought over the toy until they were in a full-on brawl.)

1. Shank
   • Thượng cẳng chân hạ cẳng tay
     To pummel, to beat up