khố xanh

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • "Khố xanh": A historical term referring to Vietnamese soldiers recruited and commanded by the French colonial administration. Their primary duties were local guard service and the suppression of revolutionary movements. The name derives from their distinctive blue loincloth uniform.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Dưới thời Pháp thuộc, lực lượng khố xanh thường canh gác các đồn bốt. (During the French colonial period, the "khố xanh" force often guarded outposts.)
    • Nhiều tài liệu lịch sử nhắc đến việc khố xanh tham gia đàn áp các cuộc khởi nghĩa. (Many historical documents mention the involvement of the "khố xanh" in suppressing uprisings.)
Advanced Usage
  • This term is used almost exclusively in a historical context to describe a specific colonial military institution. It carries connotations of collaboration with the colonial power against indigenous resistance.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lính tập (noun): Another term for colonial troops trained and employed by the French. While similar, "lính tập" often refers to more regularized infantry, whereas "khố xanh" specifically denotes local militia distinguished by their uniform.
  • Khố đỏ (noun): Refers to a different colonial soldier unit, distinguished by their red loincloth uniform, typically deployed as mobile strike forces rather than local guards.
Synonyms
  • Indigenous guard: A direct descriptive translation of their function.
  • Colonial militia: A broader term capturing their non-regular, locally deployed nature under colonial rule.
Related Phrases/Idioms
  • : To act as a henchman for the "khố xanh". This idiom is used critically to describe collaboration with oppressive forces.
    • Hắn ta bị dân làng khinh vì làm tay sai cho khố xanh. (He was despised by the villagers for acting as a henchman for the "khố xanh".)