Definition

1. Pronoun (used in combination):
   • This and that / various things: A compound pronoun used to refer vaguely to various, often unrelated, matters or topics, typically when complaining or criticizing. It implies a scattered or trivial list of issues.
   • One thing and another: Used to denote sundry, miscellaneous topics or complaints brought up, usually in a negative or reproachful context.

Usage Examples

• Pronoun:
  • Cô ấy suốt ngày kể lể nọ kia. (She's always complaining about this and that all day.)
  • Đừng nói nọ kia nữa, hãy tập trung vào vấn đề chính. (Stop talking about one thing and another; focus on the main issue.)
  • Anh ta chỉ biết trách móc nọ kia mà không chịu giải quyết. (He only knows how to blame various things but refuses to solve anything.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in informal, spoken Vietnamese to express annoyance or reproach. It often carries a dismissive tone, suggesting the mentioned issues are petty, unfocused, or irrelevant excuses.

Variants and Related Words

• Lời thánh nọ kia: (Idiomatic) Refers to constant, nagging complaints or criticisms.
  • Tôi mệt mỏi với những lời thánh nọ kia của anh ta. (I am tired of his constant nagging about this and that.)

Synonyms

• This and that: Various unspecified things.
• Sundry matters: Various different items or issues.
• Petty complaints: Minor, often trivial grievances.

Related Idioms

• Chuyện nọ chuyện kia: A common variant with the same meaning, literally "story this story that."
  • Mẹ tôi hay kể chuyện nọ chuyện kia về hàng xóm. (My mother often gossips about this and that concerning the neighbors.)