Definition

1. Verb:
   • To vex, to nettle: To intentionally provoke or irritate someone, often through mocking or critical words.
   • To criticize sarcastically, to taunt: To make scornful or derisive remarks aimed at belittling someone.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy thường khích bác người khác bằng những lời lẽ châm chọc. (He often vexes others with taunting words.)
  • Đừng khích bác cô ấy về chuyện đó nữa. (Don't nettle her about that matter anymore.)
  • Việc liên tục khích bác đồng nghiệp là không chuyên nghiệp. (Continuously taunting a colleague is unprofessional.)

Advanced Usage

• "khích bác lẫn nhau": to taunt each other, to engage in mutual provocation.
  • Hai đội bóng thường khích bác lẫn nhau trước trận đấu. (The two football teams often taunt each other before the match.)

Variants and Related Words

• Châm chọc (verb): to tease, to mock. This is a close synonym but can be slightly less harsh.
• Chế giễu (verb): to ridicule, to deride. This implies stronger mockery.
• Khiêu khích (verb): to provoke, to incite. This is broader and can lead to physical confrontation, not just verbal irritation.

Synonyms

• Chọc tức: to annoy, to irritate.
• Trêu chọc: to tease, to poke fun at (often lighter in tone).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: As a single Vietnamese verb, 'khích bác' does not combine with particles to form phrasal verbs in the same way English verbs do. Its meaning is contained within the single word.

Related Idioms

• "Lấy lời nói khích bác": to use words to vex/taunt.
  • Anh ta thích lấy lời nói khích bác đối thủ. (He likes to use words to taunt his opponents.)

1. Vex, nettle