Definition

1. 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).

1. Old monkey! (tiếng rủa của người có tuổi)