Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Brazenly shameless or impudent: Describes a person's attitude or behavior that shows a complete lack of shame, embarrassment, or remorse, especially after being scolded or criticized. It implies a cheeky, unrepentant, and audacious manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Vừa bị mắng xong, nó đã ngoen ngoẻn như không có chuyện gì. (He had just been scolded, and then he was brazenly shameless as if nothing had happened.)
  • Đứa trẻ ngoen ngoẻn cười sau khi bị phạt. (The child gave an impudent smile after being punished.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "ngoen ngoẻn" is a reduplicative word (từ láy), which often intensifies the meaning. It is almost exclusively used to describe a person's shameless demeanor or expression.

Variants and Related Words

• Trơ trẽn (adj): shameless, brazen. This is a close synonym but may carry a slightly stronger or more negative connotation.
  • Thái độ trơ trẽn của hắn khiến mọi người tức giận. (His brazen attitude made everyone angry.)

Synonyms

• Shameless: lacking shame or modesty.
• Impudent: not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.
• Brazen: bold and without shame.
• Unabashed: not embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.

Related Idioms

• Mặt dày: (literally "thick face") to be shameless or have a lot of nerve.
  • Hắn mặt dày đến mức ngoen ngoẻn nhận quà. (He is so shameless that he brazenly accepts the gift.)