Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Impudent, cheeky, or irreverent: Describes speech or behavior that is disrespectful, rude, or inappropriately frivolous, often in a childish or taunting manner.
   • Nonsensical or frivolous: Refers to talk that is silly, foolish, or not to be taken seriously.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đừng có nói lếu với người lớn. (Don't speak impudently to adults.)
  • Nó trả lời một cách rất lếu. (He answered in a very cheeky way.)
  • Toàn là chuyện lếu, đừng nghe. (It's all nonsense, don't listen.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "lếu" is almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase "nói lếu", which means or .
  • Thằng bé hay nói lếu. (The boy often talks cheekily.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lếu láo (adj): A more common and stronger synonym meaning , , or .
  • Thái độ lếu láo (an insolent attitude)

Synonyms

• Cheeky: Showing a lack of respect in a way that is amusing or irritating.
• Impudent: Not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.
• Frivolous: Not having any serious purpose or value.

Related Idioms

• Nói lếu nói láo: To tell tall tales or speak utter nonsense; a rhyming phrase emphasizing dishonest or frivolous talk.
  • Nó quen thói nói lếu nói láo. (He's accustomed to the habit of talking nonsense and lying.)