Definition

1. Noun:

   • Rock-paper-scissors: A simple hand game, often used by children as a random selection method or for play. Players simultaneously form one of three shapes with an outstretched hand: a fist (rock), a flat hand (paper), or a V-shape with index and middle finger (scissors). The outcome is determined by a set of rules where rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock.

2. Interjection:

   • One-two-three!: The chant or count said by players just before revealing their chosen hand shape, used to synchronize the action. It is the Vietnamese equivalent of saying "Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!" in English.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Chúng tôi dùng oằn tù tì để chọn người đi trước. (We used rock-paper-scissors to choose who goes first.)
  • Trẻ em rất thích chơi oằn tù tì. (Children love playing rock-paper-scissors.)

• Interjection:

  • "Oằn tù tì... ra cái gì ra cái này!" ("One-two-three... what comes out, comes out this!" - a common chant before revealing the hand shape.)

Advanced Usage

• The game is a near-universal conflict-resolution tool among children and is sometimes used informally by adults for quick, fair decisions.

Variants and Related Words

• Kéo, búa, bao (n): An alternative name for the same game in some regions of Vietnam, literally "scissors, rock, cloth (paper)".

Synonyms

• Rock-paper-scissors: The direct English equivalent.
• Roshambo: A common informal name for the game in English.

Related Idioms

• While not a formal idiom, the phrase "quyết định bằng oằn tù tì" (to decide by rock-paper-scissors) is a common colloquial expression meaning to settle a trivial matter by chance or a simple game.

1. One-two-three (trò chơi trẻ em)