Definition

1. Noun:
   • A "yes-man" deputy: A derogatory term used to mock deputies who were puppets of the French colonialists, whose sole function was to nod in agreement and approve all colonial policies without question.
   • A compliant parliamentarian: Refers specifically to a member of a colonial-era legislative body who acted as a rubber stamp for the authorities.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chế độ thực dân lập ra nghị viện bù nhìn với toàn những nghị gật. (The colonial regime established a puppet parliament full of yes-men.)
  • Ông ta chẳng khác gì một nghị gật, chỉ biết vâng dạ. (He was no different from a yes-man deputy, only knowing how to say "yes".)

Advanced Usage

• The term "nghị gật" is historical and carries strong political and satirical connotations. It is primarily used to criticize a lack of autonomy, blind obedience, and servility within a political context, specifically under colonial rule.
• It can be used metaphorically in modern contexts to criticize someone in a position of nominal authority who uncritically agrees with their superiors, though this usage directly references the historical term.

Variants and Related Words

• Nghị viên (noun): Parliamentarian, assembly member. (The neutral term for a legislative member, from which "nghị gật" is derived and corrupted).
• Bồi bút (noun): Hack writer; a pen-for-hire who writes propaganda. (Shares the connotation of serving a regime for personal gain, but in a literary/journalistic context).

Synonyms

• Tay sai (noun): Henchman, lackey. (A more general term for a puppet or subordinate who does the bidding of a master).
• Bù nhìn (noun): Puppet, figurehead. (Emphasizes being controlled by others).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Gật đầu như máy: To nod like a machine.
  • Ông nghị đó chỉ biết gật đầu như máy trước mọi đề xuất. (That parliamentarian only knew how to nod like a machine at every proposal.)
• Phản biện thì không, gật đầu thì giỏi: (Good at) nodding, not at debating/critiquing.
  • Một nghị gật điển hình: phản biện thì không, gật đầu thì giỏi. (A typical yes-man deputy: no critique, excellent at nodding.)

1. (từ cũ) Yes-man, yes-deputy (selected by the colonialists to sit in their so-called parliament)