Definition

1. Noun:
   • Lingam and yoni: Refers to a pair of wooden objects or emblems, one symbolizing the male phallus (nõn) and the other the female vulva (nường). Historically, these were carried in certain ritual processions in some regions of Vietnam.
   • An excessive or unreasonable demand: Used idiomatically in a mocking or ironic tone to criticize someone for asking for too much or something improper.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong lễ hội truyền thống, người ta khiêng nõn nường đi rước thần. (In the traditional festival, people carry the lingam and yoni emblems in the procession to welcome the deity.)
  • Nó đòi cả một gia tài à? Đúng là ba mươi sáu cái nõn nường! (He's demanding a whole fortune? That's truly an excessive and absurd demand!)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "ba mươi sáu cái nõn nường" (literally: "thirty-six lingams and yonis") is a fixed idiom. It is never used literally to count the objects. Its sole function is to express strong ridicule towards a request seen as preposterous, greedy, or shameless.

Variants and Related Words

• Nõ nường: An older or variant spelling of the same word.

Synonyms

• Lingam and yoni: (for the ritual objects).
• Outlandish demand: (for the idiomatic meaning).
• Shameless request: (for the idiomatic meaning).

Related Idioms

• Ba mươi sáu cái nõn nường: An idiom meaning "an utterly excessive and ridiculous demand."
  • Anh ta muốn tôi làm việc cả tuần mà không trả lương? Thật là ba mươi sáu cái nõn nường! (He wants me to work the whole week without pay? That's absolutely preposterous!)

1. Lingam and yoni
   • Ba mươi sáu cái nõn nường
     The moon [to cry for]