nói lẩy
Definition
- Verb:
- To speak with a sulky or grumbling tone: The primary meaning of "nói lẩy" is to speak in a way that expresses petulance, annoyance, or passive-aggressive dissatisfaction, often under one's breath or in a muttering manner.
- To talk back sarcastically or sullenly: It can imply answering or retorting in a disrespectful, mocking, or resentful way, typically from a subordinate to a superior.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Đứa trẻ nói lẩy khi bị mẹ mắng. (The child spoke sulkily when scolded by his mother.)
- Anh ta chỉ dám nói lẩy trong miệng chứ không dám phản đối trực tiếp. (He only dared to mutter grumpily under his breath and didn't dare to oppose directly.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often describes a specific, culturally recognized style of indirect and discontented speech, common in interpersonal conflicts, especially within family or hierarchical relationships.
Variants and Related Words
- Lẩm bẩm (v): to mumble, to mutter (often to oneself, not necessarily with a sulky tone).
- Càu nhàu (v): to grumble, to complain in a low, irritable voice.
Synonyms
- To mutter sulkily: To speak in a low, indistinct voice while in a bad mood.
- To talk back sullenly: To answer in a gloomy, resentful, and ill-tempered manner.
- To grumble: To complain in a low, discontented tone.
Related Idioms
- While "nói lẩy" itself is the specific term, the behavior is associated with a lack of open communication and harboring silent resentment.