Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tease; to trifle with; to jest in a playful or mocking manner. This is the core meaning of "cợt." It describes the act of making fun of someone or something in a lighthearted, sometimes slightly provocative or insincere way. It often implies playful banter or mockery that is not meant to be deeply hurtful but can be frivolous.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh đừng cợt mặt tôi. (Do not trifle with me / Do not make fun of me.)
  • Cô ấy thích cợt những thói quen kỳ lạ của bạn mình. (She likes to tease her friend about their strange habits.)
  • Đừng cợt với tình cảm của người khác. (Do not trifle with another person's feelings.)

Advanced Usage

• "đùa cợt": This is a very common compound verb combining "đùa" (to joke) and "cợt" (to tease), emphasizing playful, jesting behavior.
  • Họ chỉ đang đùa cợt với nhau thôi. (They are just teasing each other / joking around.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chòng ghẹo (v): to tease, to banter. This is a close synonym, often used interchangeably in casual speech.
• Trêu chọc (v): to tease, to poke fun at. Another common synonym for playful teasing.
• Giễu cợt (v): to mock, to ridicule. This term carries a stronger, more derisive connotation than "cợt" alone.

Synonyms

• Tease: To make fun of or attempt to provoke in a playful way.
• Trifle with: To treat someone or something without seriousness or respect.
• Jest: To speak or act in a joking manner.
• Banter: To exchange light, playful, teasing remarks.

Related Idioms

• Cợt trên sự đau khổ của người khác: To make light of/jest about another person's suffering.
  • Hành động cợt trên sự đau khổ của người khác là tàn nhẫn. (The act of making light of another's suffering is cruel.)

verb

1. to trifle; to tease
   • đùa cợt với ái tình
     to trifle with love