Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bedraggled, dirty, filthy: Describes something, typically clothing or a surface, that is very dirty, soiled, or stained, often in a messy or untidy way. It implies a state of being grimy and unkempt.
   • Smeared, smudged: Can describe a surface marked with streaks or blotches of dirt or color, making it look messy and unclean.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Làm ở ruộng lầy về, quần áo luôm nhuôm. (Coming back from working in the marshy field, his clothes were filthy.)
  • Tường luôm nhuôm. (The wall is smeared / dirty.)
  • Quần áo luôm nhuôm. (The clothes are grimy and dirty.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "luôm nhuôm" is often used to emphasize a visually unpleasant state of dirtiness that is obvious and widespread, not just a small spot. It is commonly applied to fabrics and surfaces.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhem nhuốc (adj): Dirty, grimy. A close synonym often used interchangeably with .
• Bẩn thỉu (adj): Filthy, disgustingly dirty.

Synonyms

• Filthy: Very dirty.
• Bedraggled: Dirty and disheveled, typically from being in water or mud.
• Smeared: Marked with a streak or blotch.
• Grimy: Covered with ingrained dirt.

Related Idioms

• While "luôm nhuôm" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is used descriptively in phrases to vividly convey messiness, such as (a bedraggled person) or (filthy belongings).

1. Bedraggled, dirty, filthy
   • Làm ở ruộng lầy về, quần áo luôm nhuôm
     To have one's clothes filthy aften working in a marshy field