có mẽ
Definition
- Adjective (vulgar, slang):
- To be good-looking, to be attractive (especially of a woman): A crude or slang term used to comment on a woman's physical appearance, implying she is sexually appealing. It carries a vulgar and objectifying connotation.
- To have an attractive appearance: Literally suggests possessing a pleasing or alluring look, but its usage is coarse and impolite.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy trông có mẽ lắm. (She looks very attractive/hot.)
- Mấy đứa con trai thì thầm bảo nhân viên mới có mẽ. (The boys whispered that the new staff member is good-looking.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in informal, male-dominated, or vulgar speech. It is not appropriate for polite or formal conversation.
- It often reduces a person to their physical or sexual attributes.
Variants and Related Words
- Ưa nhìn (adj): pleasant to look at, good-looking (a much more polite and common term).
- Cô ấy rất ưa nhìn. (She is very pleasant to look at.)
Synonyms
- Hot (slang): sexually attractive.
- Good-looking: attractive in appearance.
- Foxy (slang): sexually attractive.
Notes on Usage
- Warning: "Có mẽ" is considered vulgar, disrespectful, and objectifying. It is strongly advised to avoid using this term. The polite alternatives "ưa nhìn" (pleasant-looking), "xinh đẹp" (pretty/beautiful), or "hấp dẫn" (attractive) should be used instead.
- The term reflects a very casual and often inappropriate assessment of appearance.