Definition

Adjective: - Extremely lazy, bone-idle: Describes a person who is profoundly and habitually lazy, to the point of inactivity being ingrained in their nature, as if their very bones are straight and unwilling to bend for work. This term is informal and carries a strong, often vulgar, negative connotation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta ngay xương lắm, cả ngày chỉ nằm dài xem tivi. (He is extremely lazy; he just lies around watching TV all day.)
  • Đừng có ngay xương như thế, dậy mà dọn dẹp nhà cửa đi! (Don't be so bone-idle, get up and clean the house!)

Advanced Usage

• The term ngay xương is a vivid, colloquial expression. It is stronger and more derogatory than simple words for lazy like . It implies a deep-seated, almost inherent laziness.
• It is often used in reproachful or exasperated speech, typically in informal settings among peers or from an older person to a younger one. It is not used in formal writing or polite conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Ngay lưng: A synonymous phrase with the same meaning and connotation as ngay xương.
• Lười: (Adj) Lazy. This is the standard, neutral-to-negative term for laziness.
• Lười biếng: (Adj) Lazy, indolent. Slightly more formal and descriptive than .

Synonyms

• Lười nhác: Lazy, slothful.
• Ăn không ngồi rồi: To be idle and do nothing (idiomatic).

Related Idioms

While ngay xương itself is an idiomatic expression, it is not typically part of longer idioms. Its usage is generally standalone as an adjective.

1. như ngay lưng