khỉ già
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Old monkey!: A term of abuse or insult directed at an elderly person, implying they are cunning, mischievous, or contemptible due to their age. It is a derogatory exclamation.
- Old rascal / Old fox: Can imply someone who is sly, crafty, or a trickster, often due to the experience that comes with age.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Đồ khỉ già! (You old monkey!)
- Nó là một tên khỉ già lắm mưu mẹo. (He is a very scheming old fox.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is exclusively used as a direct insult or a pejorative reference. It is not used in formal or polite contexts.
- It often carries a tone of frustration, anger, or disrespect towards the perceived negative traits (like cunning or stubbornness) of an older individual.
Variants and Related Words
- Khỉ (n): Monkey. The base word, which can be used alone as a milder insult meaning "rascal" or "brat."
- Già (adj): Old. When combined with other nouns, it can form other insults (e.g., – you old thing), though is a fixed, common phrase.
Synonyms
- Lão già (n): Old man (can be neutral or slightly derogatory depending on context).
- Đồ già (n): You old thing (insulting).
- Lão quỷ (n): Old devil (strong insult).
Related Phrases
- Mặt khỉ già: Having the face of an old monkey (an extended insult about someone's appearance or character).
- Trông mặt nó như mặt khỉ già vậy. (His face looks like that of an old monkey.)
Related Idioms
- Khôn như khỉ: As clever as a monkey (usually a compliment for cleverness, not directly related to but shares the animal metaphor).
- Già mà ham: Old but still lustful/desirous (a different insult targeting inappropriate behavior in the elderly).
- Old monkey! (tiếng rủa của người có tuổi)