Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Widely notorious: Having a very bad reputation that is known by many people, often for negative qualities or actions.
   • Infamous: Famous or well-known for a bad quality or deed.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Hắn là một tên tội phạm khét tiếng. (He is a widely notorious criminal.)
  • Khu phố đó khét tiếng là nguy hiểm. (That neighborhood is infamous for being dangerous.)
  • Ông chủ đó khét tiếng tham lam. (That boss is notorious for his greed.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "khét tiếng" is almost exclusively used to describe a negative, well-established reputation. It is stronger and more specific than simply being known ("nổi tiếng"), which can be positive or negative.
• It often collocates with nouns indicating a person (e.g., tên cướp, tay buôn) or a place, and with adjectives or phrases describing the negative trait (e.g., khét tiếng gian ác, khét tiếng xảo quyệt).

Variants and Related Words

• Nổi tiếng (adj): Famous, well-known (can be positive, negative, or neutral).
  • Cô ấy là một ca sĩ nổi tiếng. (She is a famous singer.)
• Tai tiếng (adj): Notorious, scandalous (implies disgrace or scandal).
  • Vụ án để lại một tai tiếng lớn. (The case left a major scandal.)

Synonyms

• Notorious: Famous or well-known for some bad quality or deed.
• Infamous: Well-known for some bad quality or deed.
• Ill-famed: Having a bad reputation.

Related Idioms

• While "khét tiếng" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, it functions similarly to the English "notorious for."
  • Khét tiếng ác: Widely notorious for cruelty.
  • Khét tiếng ăn chơi: Notorious for debauchery/partying.

1. Widely notorious
   • Khét tiếng ác
     Widely notorious for one's cruelty