Definition

Verb: - To express discontent, displeasure, or anger through sulky, sullen, or scornful facial expressions and body language, often without speaking. It conveys a state of being silently resentful, petulant, or in a huff.

Usage

This verb describes a non-verbal, often childish or immature, display of bad temper. It implies someone is brooding, pouting, or making scornful gestures (like turning away, making faces) to show they are upset, usually instead of communicating directly.

Examples

• (The child sulked / was in a huff in the corner of the room because he wasn't bought a toy.)
• (She just scowled and sulked without saying anything when she was criticized.)
• (If you're angry with someone, say it, don't just sulk / scowl and frown like that.)

Advanced Usage / Nuances

• The word often carries a slightly negative or disapproving tone, suggesting the behavior is unreasonable, unproductive, or petty.
• It can describe a series of actions (sulking, pouting, making faces) over a period of time, not just a single scowl.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngấm nguẩy: This is a common variant spelling/pronunciation with the same meaning.
• Hờn dỗi (verb): To sulk, to pout. This is a very close synonym but may imply a slightly more childish or spoiled connotation.
• Cáu kỉnh (adjective): Irritable, grumpy. Describes the irritable state that might lead to .
• Nhăn nhó (verb): To grimace, to make a face (often due to pain or disgust). While different, it can sometimes overlap in the context of showing displeasure through facial expressions.

Synonyms

• To sulk: To be silent, bad-tempered, and withdrawn because of annoyance or disappointment.
• To pout: To push out one's lips to show annoyance or in a sullen manner.
• To be in a huff: To be obviously annoyed or offended, often leading to sulky behavior.
• To scowl and frown: To express displeasure through facial expressions (this phrase captures the facial aspect well).

Idioms / Common Phrases

• Mặt ngấm ngoảy: A sullen/scowling face. (He sat there with a sullen face all afternoon.)

1. cũng viết ngấm nguẩy Fret and fume, Scowl and frown
   • Giận ai thì nói ra, đừng ngấm ngoảy nhưng vậy.
     If you are angry with someone, just spit it out and stop scowling and frowning like that