Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Old and shrivelled up: Describes a person or thing that appears old, dried up, and withered, often prematurely or excessively so. It emphasizes a state of being worn out and lacking vitality.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy mới ngoài 50 nhưng trông đã già cấc rồi. (He is just over 50 but already looks old and shrivelled up.)
  • Cái cây này bị khô hạn nên trông già cấc. (This tree is drought-stricken so it looks old and shrivelled.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is often used in a descriptive, sometimes slightly informal or colloquial, context to emphasize a stark, undesirable state of aging or decay. It can imply a contrast between actual age and appearance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cằn cỗi (adj): Barren, infertile, worn out. Often used for land or plants, but can be applied metaphorically.
  • Mảnh đất cằn cỗi (barren land).
• Khô héo (adj): Withered, dried up. Commonly used for plants or sometimes for describing a lack of spirit.
  • Lá cây khô héo (withered leaves).

Synonyms

• Già nua: Old and decrepit.
• Héo hon: Withered, shrivelled (often for plants, can be metaphorical).
• Còi cọc: Stunted, underdeveloped (can imply a frail, aged appearance).

Notes on Meaning

• The term 'già cấc' specifically combines the idea of old age ('già') with a state of being dried out, shrivelled, or exhausted ('cấc'). It is more vivid and negative than simply saying 'old'. The reference from the Vietnamese-Vietnamese dictionary ("Già và cằn cỗi") confirms this combined meaning of being old and barren/worn out.

1. Old and shrivelled up