Definition

1. Verb:
   • To associate with or seek the company of people who are older, of higher social status, or wealthier than oneself, often with the implication of social climbing or ingratiation. This term describes the action of deliberately befriending or spending time with individuals perceived as superior in age, rank, or financial standing, typically to gain some form of social advantage or reflected prestige.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cậu ấy chỉ thích chơi trèo với mấy giám đốc, chẳng thèm nói chuyện với đồng nghiệp. (He only likes to associate with directors and doesn't bother talking to colleagues.)
  • Đừng có chơi trèo với người lớn tuổi hơn chỉ để lợi dụng họ. (Don't just cozy up to older people to take advantage of them.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "chơi trèo" often carries a negative or disapproving connotation. It implies insincerity, opportunism, or a lack of authenticity in the relationship, where the primary motive is social advancement rather than genuine friendship.
• It can be used to criticize someone perceived as a social climber.

Variants and Related Words

• Nịnh bợ (Verb): To flatter, to suck up to. While "nịnh bợ" focuses on using flattery, "chơi trèo" focuses on the act of associating with a certain group.
• Xu nịnh (Verb): To fawn over, to curry favor. Similar to "nịnh bợ."
• Cơ hội (Noun/Adj): Opportunist(ic). Describes the characteristic of someone who might "chơi trèo."

Synonyms

• Giao du với người có địa vị cao: To associate with people of high status.
• Kết thân vì mục đích thăng tiến xã hội: To befriend for the purpose of social climbing.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Chơi trèo leo cao té đau": An idiom meaning "If you climb high (by social climbing), you will fall painfully." It warns that such opportunistic behavior can lead to a significant downfall or embarrassment.
  • Anh ta cứ thích chơi trèo, nhưng nhớ câu "chơi trèo leo cao té đau" đấy. (He keeps liking to social climb, but remember the saying "climb high, fall hard.")

1. To keep company with older (wealthier) people