Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To argue stubbornly while refusing to admit one's mistake: "gân cổ" describes the act of being obstinate, defiant, or argumentative, often in a tense or angry manner, especially when one is wrong but refuses to concede. The imagery suggests straining one's neck muscles ("gân cổ") from the effort of arguing stubbornly.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta sai rõ ràng nhưng vẫn gân cổ cãi. (He was clearly wrong but still argued stubbornly without admitting his mistake.)
  • Đừng có gân cổ nữa, hãy nhận lỗi đi. (Stop being so obstinate and argumentative, just admit your fault.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a visible, physical tension or aggression in the argument, not just a passive stubbornness. It paints a picture of someone digging in their heels and arguing vehemently.
• It is frequently used in contexts of disputes, debates, or parental scolding where one party is clearly at fault but refuses to back down.

Variants and Related Words

• Cứng cổ (verb phrase): A very close synonym, also meaning to be stubborn and refuse to listen or admit fault. (e.g., - The boy was stubborn and refused to listen.)
• Bướng bỉnh (adjective): Stubborn, obstinate. This is a more general adjective, while "gân cổ" is a specific verbal action.
• Ngoan cố (adjective): Obstinate, recalcitrant (often with a more serious, unyielding connotation).

Synonyms

• Argue obstinately: Tranh cãi một cách ngoan cố.
• Be defiantly stubborn: Tỏ ra bướng bỉnh một cách thách thức.

Related Idioms

• While "gân cổ" itself is a set phrase, it is conceptually related to idioms about stubbornness:
  • Cãi chày cãi cối: To argue tirelessly and stubbornly (like a mortar and pestle grinding away).
  • Bẻ queo nói thẳng: To insist that something crooked is straight (to stubbornly defend a falsehood).

1. Stiff-necledly without admitting one's mistake