máu mê
Definition
- 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.)