Definition

1. Noun:
   • Broth from boiled shellfish: The liquid resulting from boiling shellfish, such as snails or clams. It is often used as a simple soup or cooking base.
   • (Figurative, informal) Weak, tasteless liquid: Used to describe any beverage (like coffee or tea) that is unacceptably weak, watery, and lacking in flavor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Nước ốc này có vị ngọt tự nhiên. (This shellfish broth has a natural sweetness.)
  • Cốc cà phê này nhạt như nước ốc. (This cup of coffee is as tasteless as shellfish broth.)

Advanced Usage

• The figurative usage is common in informal criticism of food and drink quality.
  • Trà này pha chẳng ra gì, giống nước ốc. (This tea is brewed poorly, it's like weak broth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nước lèo (n): A general term for broth or soup stock, often more flavorful than .
• Nước dùng (n): Stock or bouillon.

Synonyms

• Broth: A savory liquid.
• Dishwater: (Figurative, informal) Something weak and unappetizing.
• Weak tea/coffee: (Figurative) A bland, watery beverage.

Related Idioms

• Nhạt như nước ốc: (As tasteless as shellfish broth) An idiom meaning completely bland, insipid, or utterly lacking in interest or flavor.
  • Bộ phim ấy nhạt như nước ốc. (That movie is completely bland.)

1. Water from boiled shellfish
   • Nhạt như nước ốc
     Unacceptable tasteless