Definition

1. Verb:
   • To speak sarcastically or ironically: To say something that means the opposite of the literal words, often in a mocking, critical, or humorous way to express contempt or ridicule.
   • To make a sardonic remark: To use bitter, caustic language that is intended to hurt or mock someone or something.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy thường nói mỉa khi không hài lòng. (He often speaks sarcastically when he is dissatisfied.)
  • Đừng nói mỉa tôi như thế! (Don't be so sarcastic with me!)
  • Cô ấy nói mỉa về kế hoạch thất bại của họ. (She made an ironic remark about their failed plan.)

Advanced Usage

• The tone and context are crucial for understanding "nói mỉa." It is not simple teasing but carries a sharper edge of criticism or mockery.
• It often relies on the listener understanding the implied meaning opposite to the spoken words.

Variants and Related Words

• Mỉa mai (adj, v): sarcastic, ironic; to mock sarcastically. This is a closely related and often interchangeable term.
  • Giọng điệu mỉa mai của anh ta làm mọi người khó chịu. (His sarcastic tone made everyone uncomfortable.)

Synonyms

• To be sarcastic: Using irony to mock or convey contempt.
• To ironize: To use or express irony. (This is a direct, though more formal, translation.)
• To mock: To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.

Related Idioms

• While "nói mỉa" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is central to phrases describing sarcastic speech.
• Nói mát or nói xỏ: To make an indirect, sarcastic, or snide remark.
  • Anh ta thích nói xỏ người khác. (He likes to make snide remarks about others.)

1. Ironize