Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To protest loudly; to talk back (especially to superiors): "nỏ mồm" describes the act of arguing back, talking back, or protesting in a loud, often disrespectful or defiant manner. It implies a lack of restraint in speech, particularly when directed at someone of higher authority or status.
   • To be mouthy; to be a loudmouth: It can also characterize someone who speaks volubly, insolently, or is quick to argue.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Đứa bé này hư quá, cứ hay nỏ mồm với người lớn. (This child is so naughty, always talking back to adults.)
  • Nó bị phạt vì tội nỏ mồm trong giờ học. (He was punished for being mouthy/talking back in class.)
  • Cô ấy nỏ mồm phản đối quyết định của sếp. (She protested loudly against the boss's decision.)

Advanced Usage

• "nỏ mồm nỏ miệng": An intensified form emphasizing excessive or non-stop loud talking or arguing.
  • Suốt ngày chỉ thấy nó nỏ mồm nỏ miệng, chẳng chịu nghe ai. (All day long, you just see him running his mouth, unwilling to listen to anyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi (v): to argue, to dispute. (Less specific and intense than "nỏ mồm").
• Lớn tiếng (v): to raise one's voice; to speak loudly. (Focuses on volume, not necessarily defiance).
• Hỗn (adj): insolent, impudent. (Describes the disrespectful attitude often associated with "nỏ mồm").

Synonyms

• Talk back: to answer someone in a rude way, especially someone in authority.
• Be insolent: showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
• Be voluble: talking fluently, readily, or incessantly (can imply being overly talkative).

Related Phrases

• Chống đối (v): to oppose, to resist. (A more formal term for protest).
• Cãi lại (v): to talk back, to argue back. (A direct synonym, but "nỏ mồm" is more colloquial and vivid).

Related Idioms

• Ăn to nói lớn: (Lit: to eat big, speak big) To speak boldly or arrogantly; to boast.
• Cãi chày cãi cối: (Lit: to argue like a mortar and pestle) To argue stubbornly and incessantly. This idiom strongly conveys the persistent, argumentative nature similar to "nỏ mồm".

1. Protest loudly; talk loudly