Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sly, cunning, crafty: Describes a person who is deceitful, tricky, or operates in a secretive, underhanded manner.
   • Sneaky, underhanded: Refers to behavior that is dishonest, not straightforward, or intended to deceive.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Thằng bé đó trông thật mớp. (That boy looks really sly/crafty.)
  • Đừng có tin hắn, hắn mớp lắm. (Don't trust him, he's very sneaky.)
  • Nó dùng thủ đoạn mớp để giành lợi thế. (He used underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.)

Advanced Usage

• "mớp mồm": This is a compound phrase meaning to talk in a sly, flattering, or deceitful way to gain favor or trick someone.
  • Nó chỉ biết mớp mồm để lấy lòng sếp. (He only knows how to use sly/flattering talk to curry favor with the boss.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mắc mớp (adj): This is the more standard or full form of the word, carrying the same meaning of being sly, cunning, or deceitful. "Mớp" is often considered a shortened, colloquial, or regional variant.
  • Tính nó mắc mớp, ai cũng ngại. (He has a cunning nature, everyone is wary.)

Synonyms

• Xảo quyệt: cunning, crafty.
• Gian xảo: deceitful, fraudulent.
• Láu cá: sly, shrewd (often with a connotation of street-smarts).

Related Idioms

• Khôn vặt, mớp vặt: This idiom criticizes a petty, cunning cleverness used for small, selfish gains rather than true wisdom.
  • Hắn ta chẳng làm được việc lớn, chỉ giỏi khôn vặt mớp vặt. (He can't accomplish big things, he's only good at petty, cunning tricks.)

1. (địa phương) xem mắc mớp