Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ill-timed, perverse, or contrary: Describes a situation, event, or twist of fate that is ironically inconvenient, annoyingly untimely, or frustratingly contrary to what is desired or expected. It conveys a sense of mild frustration at an ironic or uncooperative circumstance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Duyên sao cắc cớ hỡi duyên! (O fate, how ill-timed and perverse!)
  • Thời tiết hôm nay thật là cắc cớ, vừa định đi picnic thì trời đổ mưa. (The weather today is so contrary; just as we planned to go on a picnic, it started to rain.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cắc cớ" is primarily used in literary, poetic, or somewhat colloquial contexts to personify fate or circumstances as being mischievously uncooperative. It is not typically used for describing people's character directly.

Variants and Related Words

• Trái khoáy (adj): paradoxical, contrary, twisted. Often used similarly to describe a frustratingly contrary situation.
• Trớ trêu (adj): ironic, cruel (of fate). Carries a stronger sense of irony or cruel twist.

Synonyms

• Ill-timed: occurring at an inconvenient time.
• Perverse: showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave unhelpfully.
• Contrary: opposite in nature, direction, or meaning; perversely inclined to disagree.

Related Idioms

• While "cắc cớ" itself is often used in set phrases like (ill-timed/contrary fate), it is central to the sentiment of the provided folk verse (), which laments the ironic timing or nature of a romantic bond.

adj

1. Brought about by the irony of fate, ill-timed
   • duyên sao cắc cớ hỡi duyên!
     how ill-timed this love of mine!