Definition

1. Adjective:

   • False, bogus, illegitimate: Refers to something that is not genuine, authentic, or legally constituted. It describes a deceptive or counterfeit nature.
   • Puppet, quisling: Used specifically in a political context to describe a regime, army, or administration that is considered illegitimate, often because it is controlled by a foreign power or opposes a recognized authority.

2. Noun:

   • Puppet soldier, quisling: A soldier or individual serving a regime or army considered illegitimate.
   • Mischievous person, rascal (archaic/regional usage): In some contexts, it can refer to a playful, mischievous, or naughty person, though this usage is less common in modern standard Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Chính quyền ngụy. (The puppet government.)
  • Học thuyết ngụy. (A false/bogus doctrine.)

• Noun:

  • Lính ngụy. (Puppet soldiers.)
  • Cải tạo bọn ngụy. (To re-educate the puppet [soldiers/officials].)
  • Thôi chúng mày ngụy vừa chứ! (archaic/colloquial) (Hey, you rascals, that's enough!)

Advanced Usage

• "Ngụy quân": Often shortened to "ngụy," this term specifically refers to the "puppet army," most famously used historically to refer to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War from the perspective of the opposing side.
• "Ngụy quyền": Refers specifically to a "puppet administration" or "puppet regime."

Variants and Related Words

• Ngụy biện (n): Sophistry; fallacious argument. (Note: This is a compound word where "ngụy" contributes the meaning of "false" or "deceptive.")
• Ngụy tạo (v): To fabricate, to falsify.
• Giả ngụy (adj): False and hypocritical (a more literary term).

Synonyms

• Giả (adj): Fake, false.
• Bù nhìn (n): Puppet, scarecrow (used figuratively for a person with no real power).
• Nghịch ngợm (adj): Mischievous, naughty (for the "rascal" sense).

Notes on Meaning and Context

• The primary modern meaning of "ngụy" is heavily loaded with historical and political context, specifically relating to the Vietnam War. It carries a strong pejorative connotation.
• The meaning of "mischievous person" or "rascal" is an older or regional usage and is less common today. In most contemporary contexts, especially in writing and formal speech, "ngụy" refers to the political meaning.
• When used as an adjective meaning "false," it often appears in formal or literary contexts (e.g., - sophistry).

1. Quisling, puppet., Mighty mischievous