cạnh khoé
Definition
- Noun:
- An indirect remark; an insinuation; a veiled or oblique comment: A statement that implies criticism, mockery, or a hidden meaning without saying it directly. It often carries a sarcastic or biting tone.
- An allusion: A remark that indirectly references something or someone, intended to be understood by the listener without explicit mention.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cô ấy không bao giờ nói thẳng mà chỉ thích nói cạnh khoé. (She never speaks directly but only likes to make indirect remarks.)
- Anh đừng để ý mấy lời cạnh khoé của họ. (You shouldn't pay attention to their insinuations.)
- Câu nói cạnh khoé của anh ta khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His veiled comment made everyone uncomfortable.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in the singular form "cạnh khoé" to describe the general act or nature of making indirect remarks.
- It often describes a habitual communication style, implying the speaker is being passive-aggressive or intentionally vague to provoke or criticize.
Variants and Related Words
- Nói cạnh (v): To speak indirectly; to make an oblique remark. This is a common verb phrase using the core concept.
- Bà ấy hay nói cạnh khi không hài lòng. (She often speaks indirectly when she is dissatisfied.)
Synonyms
- Innuendo: An allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
- Insinuation: An unpleasant hint or suggestion of something bad.
- Veiled criticism: Criticism that is not openly expressed but is understood.
- Barbed comment: A remark that is pointed and critical.
Related Idioms
- Nói cạnh nói khoé: To speak with constant indirect jabs and insinuations. This phrase emphasizes a persistent, nagging style of indirect speech.
- Suốt ngày nói cạnh nói khoé chẳng giải quyết được gì. (Making constant insinuations all day doesn't solve anything.)