Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Indecent, unseemly: Describes behavior, speech, or appearance that is improper, lacking in seriousness or decorum, and not suitable for a given social or formal context.
   • Frivolous, flippant: Characterized by a silly, unserious, or inappropriately lighthearted manner, especially when seriousness is expected.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta có thói quen nói năng ngả ngớn trong các cuộc họp quan trọng. (He has a habit of speaking indecently/flippantly in important meetings.)
  • Cử chỉ ngả ngớn của cô ấy trước đám đông khiến nhiều người khó chịu. (Her unseemly gestures in front of the crowd made many people uncomfortable.)
  • Không nên cười đùa ngả ngớn ở những nơi trang nghiêm. (One should not joke frivolously in solemn places.)

Advanced Usage

• The word ngả ngớn often implies a breach of social or contextual norms. It is used to criticize behavior considered disrespectful or tactless due to its inappropriate levity or lack of gravity.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngả ngiêng (adj): Often describes physical staggering or swaying, but can sometimes overlap in colloquial use to imply a lack of steadiness or decorum in behavior, though it is not a direct synonym.

Synonyms

• Indecorous: Not in keeping with good taste and propriety.
• Improper: Not in accordance with accepted standards, especially of morality or honesty.
• Flippant: Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Related Idioms

• Ăn nói ngả ngớn: To speak in an indecent or frivolous manner.
  • Bị phê bình vì tật ăn nói ngả ngớn. (Criticized for the habit of speaking indecently.)

1. Indecent, unseemly