Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Grumbling, muttering: Describes the action of speaking in a low, indistinct, and continuous voice, typically expressing annoyance, discontent, or anger. It implies complaining under one's breath.
   • Disheveled, messy: Describes something, especially hair, that is tangled, untidy, and in a state of disorder.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Grumbling):
  • Ông ấy ngồi một góc lầu nhầu cả buổi. (He sat in a corner grumbling all afternoon.)
  • Đừng có lầu nhầu nữa, hãy nói to lên đi! (Stop muttering; speak up!)
• Adjective (Messy):
  • Sau trận mưa, tóc cô ấy trông lầu nhầu. (After the rain, her hair looked disheveled.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to depict a physical state of untidiness that also suggests a corresponding internal state of irritation or frustration.

Variants and Related Words

• Càu nhàu (v/adj): To grumble, to grouse. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with the "grumbling" sense of .
  • Anh ta càu nhàu về thời tiết. (He grumbled about the weather.)
• Bù xù (adj): Specifically describes hair that is frizzy, puffy, and unkempt.
  • Mái tóc bù xù. (A head of frizzy, unkempt hair.)

Synonyms

• Grumbling: Complaining in a bad-tempered way.
• Muttering: Speaking in a low, unclear voice.
• Disheveled: Untidy, disordered (especially of hair or appearance).

Related Idioms

• While itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its meaning overlaps with the common expression "càu nhàu, cằn nhằn", which means to nag or complain persistently.
  • Suốt ngày chỉ biết càu nhàu cằn nhằn. (All day long, all they do is nag and complain.)