Definition

1. Noun (Slang):
   • An excessive passion or obsession: A strong, often uncontrollable, and sometimes irrational enthusiasm or craving for a particular activity or thing. It implies a deep-seated inclination that drives behavior.
   • The "bug" or "itch": A colloquial term for a persistent and compelling desire, similar to saying one has "the bug" for something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anh ta có máu mê cờ bạc. (He has an obsession with gambling.)
  • Cô ấy bị máu mê mua sắm. (She has a shopping addiction / is obsessed with shopping.)
  • Đừng để máu mê chi phối lý trí. (Don't let obsession control your reason.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost always used in the construction "có / bị máu mê + [object of desire]" (to have / to be afflicted by an obsession for...).
• It frequently carries a negative connotation, describing a harmful or excessive passion, such as for gambling, gaming, or other vices.

Variants and Related Words

• Máu (n): Literally "blood"; used in many compound slang words to denote an inherent tendency or passion (e.g., = competitive streak, = concern for face/respect).
• Mê muội (adj): To be infatuated or blinded by passion, often in a foolish way.

Synonyms

• Obsession: A persistent, dominating idea or feeling.
• Craving: A powerful desire for something.
• Addiction: The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity.
• Passion: A strong and barely controllable emotion (can be neutral or positive, whereas is typically negative).

Related Idioms

• Máu mê nổi lên: The obsession flares up.
  • Vừa thấy bài là máu mê nổi lên. (As soon as he saw the cards, the gambling itch flared up.)