lắc lơ
Definition
Adjective:
- Negligent; nonchalant; careless: Describes a person's attitude or behavior that shows a lack of care, attention, or seriousness; being indifferent or casual, often to an inappropriate degree.
- Flippant; frivolous: Describes speech or manner that is not serious, especially about something that should be treated with respect.
Adjective:
- Dangling; swinging loosely: Describes something hanging or moving in a loose, unsteady, or swaying manner.
Usage Examples
Adjective (negligent):
- Thái độ lắc lơ của anh ta khiến mọi người không hài lòng. (His nonchalant attitude made everyone dissatisfied.)
- Cô ấy trả lời một cách lắc lơ mà không suy nghĩ. (She answered in a flippant manner without thinking.)
Adjective (dangling):
- Chiếc bông tai lắc lơ trên tai cô ấy. (The earring dangled loosely on her ear.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a negative connotation when describing attitude, implying irresponsibility or a lack of proper respect.
- It can be used to describe both abstract qualities (like attitude) and physical states (like movement).
Variants and Related Words
- Lắc lư (v): to sway, to swing rhythmically (e.g., to sway to music).
- Họ lắc lư theo điệu nhạc. (They swayed to the music.)
Synonyms
- Negligent: failing to take proper care.
- Nonchalant: feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm.
- Flippant: not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
- Dangling: hanging or swinging loosely.
Related Idioms
- Làm việc lắc lơ: to work in a careless, perfunctory manner.
- Anh ta làm việc lắc lơ nên kết quả rất tệ. (He worked carelessly, so the result was very poor.)