Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Clumsy; awkward; fumbling: Describes a person who is physically awkward, especially when handling objects, resulting in a lack of stability and a high likelihood of dropping or breaking things. It implies a visible, often irritating, lack of dexterity or grace in movement.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy lóng cóng quá, làm đổ hết nước. (He is so clumsy; he spilled all the water.)
  • Đừng lóng cóng, hãy cầm chiếc bình cẩn thận. (Don't be fumbling; hold the vase carefully.)
  • Bàn tay lóng cóng của cô ấy khiến mọi việc mất thêm thời gian. (Her clumsy hands made everything take more time.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often intensified through reduplication as "lóng ca lóng cóng", which emphasizes an even greater degree of clumsiness and awkwardness.
  • Cậu ấy lóng ca lóng cóng mãi mới mở được cửa. (He fumbled around clumsily for a long time before he could open the door.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vụng về (adj): Awkward, inept. A more general synonym for clumsiness, not necessarily limited to handling objects.

Synonyms

• Clumsy: Lacking skill or grace in physical movement.
• Awkward: Not smooth or graceful in movement or manner.
• Fumbling: Using the hands clumsily while doing or handling something.

Related Idioms

• While "lóng cóng" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the state it describes is central to expressions about clumsiness, such as the concept of "chân tay lóng cóng" (clumsy hands and feet).