Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Cheeky, lippy, or having a smart mouth: Describes a person, often a child, who talks back in a quick-witted, impertinent, or sassy manner. It implies a lack of respect or being overly talkative in a brash way.
   • All talk and no action: Critically describes someone who is glib or talks a lot but does not follow through with actions or substantive work.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa bé đó rất lém mép, nói chuyện với người lớn không biết kiêng nể. (That child is very cheeky, talking to adults without any respect.)
  • Nó chỉ lém mép thôi, chứ có làm được việc gì đâu. (He's all talk, he never actually gets anything done.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a mildly scolding or disapproving tone, particularly towards children or subordinates who are disrespectfully talkative.
• It can be used humorously among peers to describe someone who is clever with words in a teasing way.

Variants and Related Words

• Lém lỉnh (adj): This is a more positive or neutral term meaning clever, sharp, or quick-witted, often without the negative connotation of impertinence found in "lém mép".
  • Cô bé rất lém lỉnh và dễ thương. (The little girl is very clever and cute.)

Synonyms

• Cheeky: Showing a lack of respect in a way that is amusing or appealing.
• Lippy: Talking back in a disrespectful way.
• Glib: Using words easily but insincerely or without thought.
• Impudent: Not showing due respect for another person.

Related Idioms

• While "lém mép" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, its meaning aligns with the concept of:
  • Nói nhiều làm ít: To talk a lot but do little.

    • Đừng có nói nhiều làm ít, lém mép suốt ngày. (Don't be all talk and no action, being lippy all day.)