Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To be smooth-tongued; to pay lip service. The primary meaning of "nói mép" is to speak insincerely or deceptively, often in a flattering or clever way to please others or avoid work, without any real intention to act on one's words. It implies a disconnect between speech and action or true feeling.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ta chỉ giỏi nói mép. (He is only good at being smooth-tongued.)
  • Đừng có nói mép, hãy hành động đi. (Don't just pay lip service, take action.)
  • Cô ấy nói mép để lấy lòng sếp. (She is smooth-tongued to curry favor with the boss.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing someone for being all talk and no action, or for being deceitfully flattering.

Variants and Related Words

• Nói miệng (verb phrase): A synonym for "nói mép," meaning to speak insincerely or without follow-through.
  • Hứa suông, nói miệng thì ai chẳng được. (Anyone can make empty promises and pay lip service.)

Synonyms

• To pay lip service: To express support or agreement insincerely.
• To be glib: Speaking fluently but with superficial thought or sincerity.
• To be all talk (and no action): A colloquial phrase describing someone who speaks but does not act.

Related Idioms

• Nói một đàng làm một nẻo: To say one thing and do another; to be two-faced.
  • Hứa hẹn đủ điều rồi nói một đàng làm một nẻo. (He made all sorts of promises and then said one thing but did another.)

1. Be smooth-tongued. Chỉ hay nói mép,
   • chứ không chịu làm
     To be smooth-tongued, and a lazy-bones