Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brat, a little rascal: A disrespectful or mischievous child. This word is used to refer to a child in a derogatory or scolding manner, implying they are being impudent or naughty.
   • A kid, a little one: Can be used to refer to a child, often with a tone of annoyance or dismissiveness, though not always severely negative.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thằng nhãi con đó lại nghịch phá vườn nhà mình rồi! (That little rascal messed up our garden again!)
  • Im đi, đồ nhãi con! (Shut up, you brat!)
  • Mấy đứa nhãi con trong xóm đang chơi đá bóng. (The kids in the neighborhood are playing soccer.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used by adults when scolding or expressing frustration towards a child's behavior. It carries a stronger negative connotation than neutral words like "đứa trẻ" (child) or "con nít" (kid).
• Can be used affectionately among close family members in a teasing way, but this depends heavily on tone and context.
  • Thằng nhãi con của mẹ! Lại đây nào. (Come here, you little rascal of mine!)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhãi (n): A shorter, even more informal and potentially harsher form with the same meaning.
  • Cút đi, đồ nhãi! (Get lost, you brat!)
• Nhóc (n)/Nhóc con (n): A more neutral or slightly affectionate slang for "kid" or "little one." Less derogatory than "nhãi con."
  • Thằng nhóc con hàng xóm rất dễ thương. (The neighbor's little kid is very cute.)
• Trẻ ranh (n): Similar to "nhãi con," meaning an impudent, inexperienced youngster.

Synonyms

• Đứa trẻ hư (n): A spoiled/naughty child.
• Đứa bé tinh nghịch (n): A mischievous child (less derogatory).
• Quỷ sứ (n): Literally "little devil," used similarly for a very naughty child.

Related Phrases

• Đồ nhãi con: You brat! (A common scolding phrase).
  • Đồ nhãi con, dám cãi lời người lớn à? (You brat, how dare you talk back to your elders?)

Related Idioms

• (Chưa có) Sửa được tánh nhãi con: (Has not yet) Outgrown one's bratty behavior. Used to say someone is still acting immaturely.
  • Nó đã lớn rồi mà tính nhãi con vẫn chưa sửa được. (He's grown up but still hasn't outgrown his bratty behavior.)

1. như nhãi