Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Uneven, jagged, or having an irregular, rough, and unsightly surface: Describes something that appears broken, chipped, or damaged, resulting in a surface that is not smooth or intact. It often implies a state of disrepair or poor condition that is visually unappealing.
   • Grinning or showing teeth in an unseemly, excessive, or foolish manner: Describes a wide, often silly or inappropriate smile that shows too much of one's teeth, lacking grace or decorum.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bức tường nhơm nhở. (The wall is rough and uneven / jagged.)
  • Nó cười nhơm nhở. (He/She grins foolishly / with a wide, silly grin.)

Advanced Usage

• "nhơm nhở cười": to grin broadly and foolishly.
  • Thằng bé cứ nhơm nhở cười một mình. (The boy just keeps grinning foolishly to himself.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nham nhở (adj): The more standard or primary form with identical meanings: uneven, jagged; grinning foolishly.
  • Mặt đường nham nhở sau trận mưa. (The road surface is rough and potholed after the rain.)

Synonyms

• Lởm chởm (adj): jagged, rough, serrated (often for edges or surfaces with sharp points).
• Ngớ ngẩn (adj): silly, foolish (describing the manner of the grin).
• Hở hèm (adj): gaping, having gaps or holes.

Notes on Usage

• "Nhơm nhở" is considered a phonetic variant of "nham nhở". In modern usage, "nham nhở" is more commonly used and is the preferred form in formal writing. "Nhơm nhở" carries the same meanings but may be perceived as slightly more colloquial or dialectal.
• The word is inherently negative, describing either a physical flaw or socially awkward behavior (the grin).

1. như nham nhở