Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slick, glib, or superficially smooth: Describes speech or behavior that is deceptively smooth, flattering, or persuasive on the surface but lacks sincerity, depth, or genuine intent.
   • Disingenuous or insincere: Characterizes a person or their manner as being untrustworthy due to a facade of pleasantness or agreeableness that hides a lack of honesty.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta có lời nói rất lèo lá. (His words are very slick/glib.)
  • Đừng tin vào những kẻ lèo lá. (Don't trust disingenuous people.)
  • Thái độ lèo lá của hắn khiến mọi người nghi ngờ. (His insincere manner made everyone suspicious.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used to describe a negative character trait, implying cunning or deceit masked by a smooth exterior. It often carries a stronger moral judgment than simple "insincerity," suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate.

Variants and Related Words

• Lèo lỏi (adj): A closely related synonym, often implying more cunning, slyness, or craftiness in addition to insincerity.
  • Tên buôn lậu rất lèo lỏi. (The smuggler is very sly/crafty.)

Synonyms

• Glib: Fluent but insincere and shallow.
• Disingenuous: Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending to know less than one does.
• Unctuous: Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily.
• Slick: (Informal) Deceptively smooth and convincing.

Related Idioms

• Nói lèo lá: To speak glibly or in a slick, untrustworthy manner.
  • Hắn chỉ biết nói lèo lá để lấy lòng cấp trên. (He only knows how to speak glibly to curry favor with his superiors.)