Definition

Adjective: - Impertinent, insolent, cheeky: Describes a disrespectful, rude, or brazen attitude or behavior, showing a lack of proper manners or respect, often in a bold or defiant way.

Usage

This adjective is used to describe a person's manner, attitude, or specific actions that are offensively disrespectful or presumptuous. It carries a strong negative connotation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa trẻ đó có thái độ rất nhâng nháo với người lớn. (That child has a very insolent attitude towards adults.)
  • Anh ta trả lời một cách nhâng nháo khi bị khiển trách. (He answered in an impertinent way when he was reprimanded.)
  • Cô ấy không chấp nhận những lời nhâng nháo từ khách hàng. (She does not tolerate cheeky remarks from customers.)

Advanced Usage

• "tỏ ra nhâng nháo": to act insolently, to show impertinence.
  • Học sinh đó thường xuyên tỏ ra nhâng nháo với giáo viên mới. (That student often acts insolently towards the new teacher.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhâng nhính (adj): Often used similarly to describe a slightly impudent or frivolously disrespectful attitude, though sometimes with a lighter tone than "nhâng nháo".
• Hỗn xược (adj): Arrogant, insolent; a stronger synonym emphasizing blatant disrespect.
• Lấc cấc (adj): Saucy, impudent; a synonym focusing on a forward or pert lack of respect.

Synonyms

• Vô lễ: Ill-mannered, rude.
• Thiếu lễ độ: Lacking in propriety, disrespectful.
• Xấc xược: Impudent, brazen.

Notes on Meaning

The word "nhâng nháo" specifically describes an active, overt display of disrespect. It is not used for passive rudeness but for behavior that is boldly out of line. It is a colloquial term commonly used in spoken Vietnamese to strongly criticize improper conduct.

1. Impertinent, insolent
   • Thái độ nhân nháo
     An insolent attitule