Definition

Onomatopoeia: - A word that imitates the sound of repetitive creaking or squeaking, typically produced by friction between wooden or bamboo surfaces, such as a rocking hammock, an old door, or bamboo rubbing together.

Usage Examples

• Onomatopoeia:
  • Chiếc võng đưa kẽo kẹt dưới bóng cây. (The hammock rocked with a kẽo kẹt sound under the tree shade.)
  • Cánh cửa cũ mở ra với tiếng kẽo kẹt. (The old door opened with a creaking sound.)
  • Tiếng tre cọ vào nhau kẽo kẹt trong gió. (The bamboo rubbed together, going kẽo kẹt in the wind.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in its reduplicated form "kẽo cà kẽo kẹt" to emphasize a continuous, drawn-out, and repetitive sequence of creaking sounds.
  • Chiếc xe bò cũ đi trên đường đất, kẽo cà kẽo kẹt. (The old ox-cart went down the dirt road, creaking and groaning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kẹt kẹt (onomatopoeia): A simpler variant also describing a squeaking or creaking sound, often higher-pitched or shorter.
  • Bánh xe đồ chơi kêu kẹt kẹt. (The toy wheel made a squeaking sound.)

Synonyms

• Creak: to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure is applied.
• Squeak: to make a short, high-pitched sound.
• Groan: to make a deep, long sound showing strain (often used for old wood).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• While not a standalone idiom, "kẽo kẹt" is frequently used in descriptive phrases to evoke atmosphere, suggesting age, wear, solitude, or a slow, rhythmic motion.
  • Căn nhà vắng chỉ còn tiếng võng kẽo kẹt. (The empty house had only the sound of the hammock creaking.)

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