mần tuồng
Definition
- Verb (informal, humorous):
- To perform in a classical drama: The primary meaning of "mần tuồng" is to act in or perform "tuồng," a traditional Vietnamese classical theater form. The word "mần" is a colloquial, rustic, and often humorous variant of "làm" (to do/make). Therefore, the phrase as a whole carries a playful or teasing tone.
- To put on an act / to make a scene: By extension, it can be used humorously or sarcastically to describe someone who is being overly dramatic, theatrical, or pretending in everyday life, likening their behavior to a stage performance.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Ông cụ trong làng vẫn còn mần tuồng được đấy. (The old man in the village can still perform in classical theater, you know.)
- Thôi đi, đừng có mần tuồng nữa! Có chuyện gì nói thẳng ra. (Stop it, don't put on an act anymore! Say what's wrong directly.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently informal and regional. Using it to describe a formal, professional "tuồng" performance might be considered disrespectful. It is more fitting for casual conversation, joking among friends, or referring to amateur performances.
Variants and Related Words
- Hát tuồng (v): This is the standard, formal term for performing "tuồng" opera. "Mần tuồng" is a colloquial substitute for this phrase.
- Diễn tuồng (v): Another standard term meaning to perform "tuồng" or, figuratively, to pretend.
Synonyms
- Perform (in classical theater): To act in a traditional drama.
- Put on an act: To behave in a false or dramatic way to deceive or impress others.
- Be theatrical: To be excessively dramatic.
Related Idioms
- While "mần tuồng" itself is idiomatic, it is related to the figurative use of "tuồng."
- Diễn tuồng / Làm tuồng: These share the same figurative meaning as "mần tuồng"—to pretend or be melodramatic.
- Nó toàn diễn tuồng khóc lóc để được thương hại. (He's always putting on a crying act to gain sympathy.)