Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Insolent, impudent: Describes a person, especially a younger or subordinate one, who is rudely disrespectful and defiant towards superiors, elders, or authority figures. It implies a stubborn and brazen lack of respect.
   • Unruly, rebellious: Suggests a disobedient and difficult-to-control nature, often characterized by deliberately going against rules or expectations.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ đó rất ngỗ ngược với ông bà. (That child is very insolent towards his grandparents.)
  • Nó có tính ngỗ ngược, không bao giờ chịu nghe lời. (He has an unruly character, never willing to listen.)
  • Thái độ ngỗ ngược của nó khiến mọi người rất bực mình. (His impudent attitude annoys everyone greatly.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ngỗ ngược" often carries a strong moral judgment and is frequently used in contexts discussing family hierarchy, teacher-student relationships, or social order. It is stronger than simply being "stubborn" (bướng bỉnh) as it includes an element of offensive disrespect.

Variants and Related Words

• Hỗn láo (adj): Saucy, cheeky; rude in speech. (Often slightly less severe than ngỗ ngược).
  • Đừng có hỗn láo với người lớn! (Don't be cheeky to adults!)
• Ngang ngạnh (adj): Recalcitrant, obstinate; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • Tính nó ngang ngạnh lắm. (He is very recalcitrant.)
• Bất kính (adj): Disrespectful, irreverent.
  • Hành động bất kính. (A disrespectful action.)

Synonyms

• Insolent: Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
• Impudent: Not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.
• Unruly: Disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control.
• Defiant: Showing open resistance or bold disobedience.

Related Idioms

• Ngỗ ngược như trâu bò: As unruly as buffaloes and oxen. (Emphasizes a wild, untamed, and stubborn nature).
  • Thằng bé ấy ngỗ ngược như trâu bò, chẳng ai dạy nổi. (That boy is as unruly as an ox, nobody can teach him.)