Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a sulky, pouty, or sullen manner: Describes the action of turning away or acting with silent displeasure, often accompanied by a slight, dismissive body movement like a head turn or shoulder shrug, typically after being scolded or feeling upset.
   • In a huff: Acting in a way that shows one is offended or annoyed, often petulantly.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Nó giận, đi ngấm nguẩy ra ngoài. (He was angry and walked out in a huff.)
  • Bị mẹ mắng, con bé ngồi ngấm nguẩy trong góc. (After being scolded by her mother, the little girl sat sullenly in the corner.)
  • Cậu ấy chỉ quay lưng lại ngấm nguẩy mà không nói gì. (He just turned his back sulkily without saying a word.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is primarily used to describe a person's (often a child's or young person's) demeanor and physical expression of minor, non-verbal anger or hurt feelings. It implies a somewhat childish or petulant reaction.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngấm ngoảy: This is a direct variant with identical meaning and usage. "Ngấm nguẩy" and "ngấm ngoảy" are interchangeable.
  • Thằng bé bỏ đi ngấm ngoảy. (The boy left sulkily.)

Synonyms

• Hậm hực: (adverb/adjective) To be seething with anger, often silently. (Implies stronger, more contained anger than "ngấm nguẩy").
• Bĩu môi: (verb) To pout one's lips, showing displeasure. (Focuses on the facial expression).
• Cáu kỉnh: (adjective) Irritable, grouchy. (Describes a general mood rather than a specific action).

Related Phrases

• Làm mặt ngấm nguẩy: To make a sulky face, to pull a face.
  • Đừng có làm mặt ngấm nguẩy với mẹ như thế. (Don't make that sulky face at your mother like that.)

1. xem ngấm ngoảy