Definition

Adjective: - Shabby, seedy, poor in quality: Describes something (often clothing or appearance) that is worn out, untidy, or of low quality, giving an impression of neglect or poverty.

Usage

• The word "cỏ rả" is used to describe the state or appearance of objects, especially clothing and personal attire. It carries a negative connotation, implying something is not just old but also unkempt or of visibly poor condition.
• It is primarily used in informal, colloquial Southern Vietnamese speech.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta ăn mặc cỏ rả quá. (He dresses too shabbily.)
  • Cái áo này trông cỏ rả lắm, đừng mặc nữa. (This shirt looks very seedy; don't wear it anymore.)
  • Quán ăn đó trông hơi cỏ rả, chắc mình không vào. (That eatery looks a bit run-down; I don't think we should go in.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be extended beyond physical appearance to describe things that are mediocre, pitiful, or lacking in substance.
  • Bài thuyết trình của nó nghe cỏ rả thật. (His presentation sounded really pitiful / shoddy.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cỏ (adj): This is the root word, meaning "inferior," "poor," or "low-grade." "Cỏ rả" is an intensified or more descriptive form of "cỏ."
  • Đồ cỏ (fake/inferior goods)
• Rách rưới (adj): Ragged, tattered. This is a more standard synonym.
• Tả tơi (adj): Torn to shreds, in tatters. Emphasizes a state of being badly torn.

Synonyms

• Tồi tàn: Dilapidated, wretched.
• Xoàng xĩnh: Mediocre, so-so.
• Luộm thuộm: Sloppy, untidy (in appearance).

Notes

• "Cỏ rả" is not used in formal writing. It is characteristic of Southern Vietnamese dialects.
• There are no direct phrasal verbs or idioms commonly formed with "cỏ rả" itself.

1. Shabby, seedy
   • ăn mặc hơi cỏ rả
     to be dressed rather shabbily