Definition

Adjective: - Very tall and slender, often to the point of appearing lanky or awkward: Describes a person, plant, or object that is excessively tall and thin, typically with a connotation of being somewhat ungainly or disproportionate in height.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu thanh niên ấy cao ngồng ngồng, dễ nhận ra từ xa. (That young man is very tall and lanky, easy to spot from afar.)
  • Mấy cây tre mới mọc lên cao ngồng ngồng. (The newly grown bamboo trees are very tall and slender.)
  • Cô ấy gầy và cao ngồng ngồng. (She is thin and very tall/lanky.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is a láy (reduplicative) form derived from the root "ngồng." The reduplication intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the extreme or notable quality of being tall and thin.
• It is primarily used in descriptive contexts and often carries a slightly informal or colloquial tone.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngồng (adjective): Tall and slender. This is the root word. "Ngồng ngồng" is its intensified form.
  • Cây cau cao ngồng. (The areca palm is tall and slender.)

Synonyms

• Cao lêu nghêu: Very tall and lanky (similar connotation of awkward height).
• Cao nghều nghệu: Tall and gawky.
• Cao dỏng dả: Tall and slim (can be more neutral or positive than "ngồng ngồng").

Notes on Meaning

• The word specifically describes physical stature. It is not used for abstract concepts.
• While it describes height, the nuance often implies that the height is conspicuous, perhaps even awkward or striking, rather than simply stately or elegant.

1. xem ngồng (láy)