Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flick or snap: To strike or hit something quickly and sharply, often by releasing a bent, flexible object (like a bamboo slat or rod) so it snaps back against a target.
   • To beat or thrash: To give someone a beating, typically with a whip, cane, or similar object.
   • To intimidate or threaten: To scare or threaten someone, often a child, through words or actions to make them obey.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta lấy thanh tre uốn cong để nẹt vào tay nó. (He used a bent bamboo slat to flick its hand.)
  • Bố nẹt cho thằng bé một trận vì nghịch ngợm. (The father gave the boy a beating for being mischievous.)
  • Đừng có nẹt trẻ con như thế. (Don't intimidate children like that.)

Advanced Usage

• The action of "nẹt" often implies a quick, sharp, and somewhat light punishment or warning, not necessarily a severe beating. The context determines its severity.

Variants and Related Words

• Bọ nẹt (n): A specific type of insect (a water strider). This is a separate compound noun and not a variant of the verb "nẹt."

Synonyms

• Flick: to hit with a quick, light, sharp motion.
• Snap: to make or cause to make a sharp cracking sound or movement.
• Whip: to strike with a flexible rod.
• Threaten: to express an intention to cause harm.
• Intimidate: to frighten or overawe someone.

Related Idioms

• Nẹt vía: An idiom expressing being scared or frightened.
  • Câu chuyện ma đó nẹt vía tôi. (That ghost story scared the daylights out of me.)

1. Flick with a bent bamboo slat, give a flick with a bent bamboo slat
   • Nẹt vào tay ai
     To give someone's hand a flick with a bent bamboo slat
2. Beat
   • Nẹt cho ai một trận
     To give someone a beating
3. Intimidate
   • Người lớn mà hay nẹt trẻ con
     A grown-up who is in the habit of intimidating children