Definition

1. Noun:
   • A despicable, contemptible person: "chó đểu" is a vulgar, highly offensive Vietnamese slang term used to insult someone by comparing them to a treacherous, deceitful, or morally repugnant dog. It implies extreme untrustworthiness and low character.
   • A scoundrel, a bastard: The term is a strong pejorative for a person considered vile, shameless, or capable of underhanded actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nó là một thằng chó đểu, không ai có thể tin được. (He is an arrant cur; no one can trust him.)
  • Đồ chó đểu! Mày đã lừa tất cả chúng tao. (You bastard! You deceived all of us.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used as a direct, harsh insult. It is considered very rude and vulgar.
• It can be intensified with other vulgar modifiers, but the core meaning of treacherous contemptibility remains.

Variants and Related Words

• Đểu (adj/vulgar): Often used alone as a shorter, slightly less explicit form meaning "treacherous," "shady," or "despicable." It can describe actions or a person's nature.
  • Hắn ta rất đểu. (He is very treacherous.)
• Khốn nạn (adj): Wretched, miserable, despicable. A strong insult, but generally considered slightly less vulgar than "chó đểu."
• Đồ tồi (n): Wretch, scoundrel. A derogatory term but less intensely vulgar.

Synonyms

• Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.
• Bastard (vulgar): An offensive term for a contemptible person.
• Cad: A man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward a woman.
• Villain: A character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot; a cruel or malicious person.

Related Phrases

• Chó má (n/vulgar): Another highly offensive insult similar to "son of a bitch."
• Đồ chó (n/vulgar): Literally "dog thing," a strong insult meaning "you dog."

Related Idioms

• Mặt người dạ thú: (Idiom) "A human face but an animal's heart." Used to describe someone who appears normal but is cruel and inhuman inside, sharing a similar thematic idea of hidden treachery as "chó đểu."

1. Arrant cur
   • thằng chó đểu
     what an arrant cur!