cười khẩy
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To sneer; to scoff; to laugh scornfully: A short, contemptuous, and often sarcastic laugh or chuckle, expressing derision, disdain, or mockery. It conveys a sense of looking down on someone or something.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Anh ta chỉ cười khẩy một tiếng rồi bỏ đi. (He just sneered once and then walked away.)
- Nghe xong đề nghị ấy, cô ấy cười khẩy. (Upon hearing that suggestion, she scoffed.)
- Một nụ cười khẩy hiện trên mặt ông ấy. (A scornful laugh appeared on his face.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often describes a reaction to something perceived as foolish, arrogant, or unworthy. It is more about the attitude (scorn, sarcasm) than the sound of the laughter itself.
- Cười khẩy, anh ta hỏi: "Anh tưởng thế là hay lắm sao?" (Sneering, he asked, "Do you think that's so great?")
Variants and Related Words
- Cười nhạt (v): to give a faint, forced, or meaningless smile, often expressing indifference or slight contempt, but less intense than "cười khẩy."
- Cười giễu (v): to mock, to ridicule with laughter.
- Cười mỉa (v): to smile sarcastically.
Synonyms
- Sneer: To smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner.
- Scoff: To speak about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.
- Snicker: To give a half-suppressed, typically scornful laugh.
Related Idioms
- While "cười khẩy" itself is a set phrase, it is used in contexts similar to idioms expressing contempt.
- Cười khẩy mà bảo: (To say with a sneer:) This pattern introduces a scornful remark.