Definition

1. Verb:
   • To scold with sarcasm or mockery: To use ironic, scornful, or taunting language to reprimand someone, often with the intent to shame or cause emotional distress.
   • To rebuke contemptuously: To criticize someone in a harsh, derisive manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đã thi trượt còn bị nhiếc. (Having failed the exam, he was then scolded with mockery.)
  • Bố mẹ không nên nhiếc con cái trước mặt bạn bè của chúng. (Parents should not mockingly scold their children in front of their friends.)
  • Anh ấy bị nhiếc vì đã làm hỏng việc đơn giản. (He was contemptuously rebuked for messing up a simple task.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "nhiếc" often implies a public or humiliating element to the scolding, where the speaker's tone is more important than the specific words used. It focuses on the act of using language to make the target feel ashamed.

Variants and Related Words

• Mắng nhiếc (v): To scold and revile; a stronger, more abusive form of verbal reprimand.
  • Cô ấy mắng nhiếc người phục vụ vì một lỗi nhỏ. (She berated the waiter for a minor mistake.)

Synonyms

• To taunt: To provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks.
• To deride: To express contempt for; to ridicule.
• To jeer at: To shout insulting words at someone; to mock.
• To upbraid: To find fault with or reproach severely.

Related Idioms

• Nhiếc móc: To constantly find fault and criticize in a nagging, scornful way.
  • Bà ấy suốt ngày nhiếc móc chồng mình. (She spends all day nagging and scornfully criticizing her husband.)

1. Make ironical remarks about (someone)
   • Đã thi trượt còn bị nhiếc
     To be a prey to ironical remarks on top of one's failure at the examination