Definition

1. Noun (archaic):
   • Bragging words; boastful speech: Refers to language that is excessively proud and self-promoting, often exaggerating one's abilities or achievements.
   • Flattering but insincere words; honeyed words: Can also imply deceitfully sweet or pleasing talk intended to persuade or deceive, not unlike flattery.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đừng tin vào những lời hoa ngôn của hắn. (Do not believe his bragging words / honeyed words.)
  • Anh ta chỉ giỏi hoa ngôn, chẳng có hành động thực tế. (He is only good at boastful talk, with no real action.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "hoa ngôn" is marked as archaic () in modern Vietnamese. It is primarily encountered in classical literature, historical texts, or used for stylistic effect to evoke a bygone era.
• It often carries a negative connotation, criticizing empty rhetoric or dishonest persuasion.

Variants and Related Words

• Khoa ngôn (n, archaic): A related term with a similar meaning of boastful or ornate but empty speech.
• Nịnh hót (v): to flatter, to adulate (a more common modern term for insincere praise).
• Khoe khoang (v): to boast, to brag (a common modern term for showing off).

Synonyms

• Boastful talk
• Braggadocio
• Honeyed words
• Flattery
• Empty rhetoric

Related Idioms

• Hoa ngôn xảo ngữ: This phrase intensifies the meaning, referring to clever, cunning, and deceitfully eloquent speech.
  • Kẻ lừa đảo dùng hoa ngôn xảo ngữ để lừa người già. (The scammer used cunning and honeyed words to deceive the elderly.)

1. (từ cũ; nghĩa cũ) Bragging words