Definition

Adjective: - Rude; rough; surly; brusque: Describes a person's speech, tone, or manner that is harsh, abrupt, and lacking in politeness or gentleness. It implies a gruff or irritable disposition.

Usage

The word "cọc cằn" is used to describe someone's temperament, way of speaking, or behavior. It is typically applied to people, not objects or situations. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting unpleasantness and a lack of social grace.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy trả lời một cách cọc cằn khi tôi hỏi đường. (He answered rudely/brusquely when I asked for directions.)
  • Tính tình ông ấy ngày càng trở nên cọc cằn. (His temperament has become increasingly surly/rough.)
  • Đừng nói năng cọc cằn với khách hàng như vậy. (Don't speak so harshly/abruptly to customers like that.)

Advanced Usage

• "giọng nói cọc cằn": a rough/grumpy voice.

  • Ông lão có giọng nói cọc cằn nhưng trái tim nhân hậu. (The old man has a grumpy voice but a kind heart.)

• "thái độ cọc cằn": a brusque/surly attitude.

  • Thái độ cọc cằn của anh ta khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His surly attitude makes everyone uncomfortable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cộc cằn: This is a common variant spelling and is used interchangeably with "cọc cằn". The meaning is identical.
• Cộc lốc (adj): Curt, clipped, laconic. Describes speech that is very brief and potentially perceived as rude due to its shortness, but not necessarily irritable.
• Thô lỗ (adj): Rude, ill-mannered. A broader term for general rudeness, not specifically tied to a gruff or irritable tone.

Synonyms

• Thô bạo: Rough, coarse.
• Gắt gỏng: Irritable, snappish.
• Bất lịch sự: Impolite, discourteous.

Antonyms

• Nhã nhặn: Polite, courteous.
• Dịu dàng: Gentle, mild.
• Lịch sự: Polite, well-mannered.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Cá tính cọc cằn": A gruff/abrasive personality.

  • Đừng để cá tính cọc cằn ảnh hưởng đến công việc của anh. (Don't let your abrasive personality affect your work.)

• "Ăn nói cọc cằn": To speak in a rough/rude manner.

  • Bà ấy thường ăn nói cọc cằn với hàng xóm. (She often speaks rudely to the neighbors.)

adjective

1. Rude; rough