lúc nhúc
Definition
- Adjective (descriptive) / Verb (descriptive):
- To swarm; to teem; to crawl (with). Describes a place or thing that is densely packed with many small creatures or things, all moving in a constant, wriggling, and often chaotic manner. It strongly implies an overwhelming, crowded, and sometimes unpleasant or unsettling number.
Usage Examples
- (Maggots are swarming in the garbage pile.)
- (In the pond, tiny fish teem like rice husks.)
- (The streets are crawling with people going to the Tet market.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often used to evoke a sense of disgust or overwhelming density due to excessive numbers and constant, squirming movement. It is rarely used in a positive context.
- It can be applied metaphorically to describe large crowds of people moving in a dense, disorderly way.
Variants and Related Words
- Nhúc nhích (v): to stir; to make a slight movement. This is a weaker, more general term for movement.
- Đứa bé đang ngủ, không nhúc nhích. (The baby is sleeping and doesn't stir.)
Synonyms
- Swarm: To move in or form a large, dense, active group.
- Teem: To be full of or swarming with.
- Crawl (with): To be covered or filled with moving things (often insects or people).
- Wriggle: To twist and turn with quick, short movements.
Related Idioms
- Lúc nhúc như giòi: (To swarm) like maggots. An intensifying simile that emphasizes the disgusting, squirming quality.
- Bọn trẻ con lúc nhúc như giòi trong bể bơi. (The children swarmed like maggots in the swimming pool.)