Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Careless, slapdash, or done in a hasty and negligent manner: Describes an action performed with little attention to detail, thoroughness, or quality, often just to get it over with.
   • Impudent, insolent (archaic/less common): In some older or regional uses, it can describe rude or cheeky behavior.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó làm bài tập một cách láo quáo. (He did his homework in a careless/slapdash manner.)
  • Đừng sửa cái máy này một cách láo quáo, nó sẽ hỏng đấy. (Don't fix this machine in a slapdash way; it will break.)
  • Công việc láo quáo sẽ không bao giờ đem lại kết quả tốt. (Careless work will never yield good results.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a moral judgment, criticizing not just the poor quality of the work but also the irresponsible attitude behind it.
• It is frequently used with verbs like "làm" (to do/make) or "làm việc" (to work) to describe the manner of an action.

Variants and Related Words

• Láo (adj): Primarily means "impudent" or "cheeky." While "láo quáo" can sometimes share this meaning, its primary modern use for "careless" is distinct.
• Qua loa (adj): Similar in meaning to "láo quáo" in the sense of being superficial, cursory, or done perfunctorily.
  • Anh ấy kiểm tra qua loa rồi ký tên. (He checked it perfunctorily and then signed.)

Synonyms

• Slapdash: Done too hurriedly and carelessly.
• Perfunctory: Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
• Careless: Not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors.
• Negligent: Failing to take proper care.

Related Idioms

• Làm cho xong việc: To do something just to get it finished. This phrase captures the core idea behind acting "láo quáo."
  • Hắn chỉ làm cho xong việc, chứ không hề quan tâm đến chất lượng. (He just did it to get it finished, with no concern for quality at all.)