cãi lẫy
Definition
- Verb:
- To argue back, to talk back, to be argumentative: "cãi lẫy" describes the action of arguing back, often in a stubborn, petulant, or defiant manner, especially by a child or subordinate to a parent or superior. It implies a refusal to accept correction or instruction and involves answering back with a contrary opinion.
- To bicker, to squabble: In some contexts, it can refer to engaging in a petty, back-and-forth argument.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa trẻ hay cãi lẫy với bố mẹ. (The child often talks back to his/her parents.)
- Nó không nghe lời mà chỉ biết cãi lẫy. (He/She doesn't listen and only knows how to argue back.)
- Hai đứa trẻ ngồi cãi lẫy nhau về một chuyện nhỏ. (The two children sat bickering over a small matter.)
Advanced Usage
- "cãi lẫy chối tội": to argue back in denial of a fault or accusation.
- Bị bắt quả tang, nó vẫn cố cãi lẫy chối tội. (Caught red-handed, he/she still tried to argue back in denial.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cãi (verb): to argue, to dispute. This is the root verb, while "cãi lẫy" adds a nuance of petulance or defiance.
- Cãi nhau (verb phrase): to argue with each other, to have an argument. This is more general than "cãi lẫy".
- Lẫy (verb, less common alone): to be stubborn or sulky (often used in the context of a child's behavior).
Synonyms
- Cãi bướng: to argue stubbornly.
- Cãi lại: to talk back, to answer back.
- Chống chế: to make excuses, to argue defensively.
Related Phrases
- Thói cãi lẫy (noun phrase): the habit of talking back.
- Mẹ tôi rất không thích thói cãi lẫy. (My mother really dislikes the habit of talking back.)
Related Idioms
- Cãi như chó cắn ma: (idiom, vulgar) to argue fiercely and incessantly. This is much stronger and more negative than "cãi lẫy".
- Hai người đó cãi nhau như chó cắn ma. (Those two argued like crazy.)