nịnh mặt
Definition
- Noun (Colloquial):
- A "yes-man" for one's appearance; a flatterer that shows only what one wants to see: Used specifically to describe a mirror or reflective surface that, by showing a pleasing or idealized reflection, acts like a person who flatters or tells you only what you want to hear about your looks.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cái gương này đúng là đồ nịnh mặt. (This mirror is truly a flatterer.)
- Ánh đèn vàng trong nhà hàng thường là nịnh mặt. (The yellow light in restaurants is often a flatterer.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is almost exclusively used in a humorous, self-deprecating, or ironic way to comment on a reflection that makes one appear more attractive than reality.
- It personifies the mirror as an insincere but pleasing companion.
Variants and Related Words
- Nịnh (v): to flatter, to butter up.
- Anh ta thích nịnh sếp. (He likes to flatter the boss.)
- Nịnh hót (v): to flatter excessively, to fawn over.
- Cô ấy không thích người hay nịnh hót. (She doesn't like people who fawn over others.)
Synonyms
- Flatterer: One who praises excessively and often insincerely.
- Yes-man: A person who always agrees with or praises someone in authority.
Related Idioms
- Nịnh đầm: To flatter women (often with romantic or ulterior motives).
- Anh chàng đó giỏi nịnh đầm lắm. (That guy is very good at flattering women.)
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(khẩu ngữ) Flatterer (of a lookingglass)
