Definition

1. Verb:
   • To deliberately disrupt, to sabotage, to cause trouble: The word "phá thối" describes the action of intentionally interfering with or ruining an activity, plan, or situation, often in a covert, annoying, or underhanded manner. It carries a strong negative and vulgar connotation.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừng có phá thối kế hoạch của bọn tôi! (Don't you dare sabotage our plan!)
  • Nó cứ ngồi đó phá thối, khiến không ai tập trung làm việc được. (He just sat there causing trouble, so no one could focus on their work.)
  • Cuộc vui đang hồi cao trào thì có kẻ ra phá thối. (The fun was at its peak when someone came to disrupt it.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is highly colloquial and vulgar. It is used in informal, often heated, contexts to express strong disapproval of someone's disruptive actions.
• It implies malice or a deliberate intent to spoil something, not just accidental interference.

Variants and Related Words

• Phá quấy (verb): To disturb, to harass. This is a slightly less vulgar synonym.
• Phá đám (verb): To break up a gathering, to spoil the fun. This is a common and less offensive term with a similar meaning.
• Cản trở (verb): To obstruct, to hinder. A more formal and neutral term.
• Phá hoại (verb): To sabotage, to destroy. This has a stronger sense of causing physical or serious damage.

Synonyms

• Làm hỏng: To ruin, to spoil.
• Quấy rối: To harass, to bother.
• Gây rối: To cause disorder.

Related Idioms

• While "phá thối" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, the concept is central to phrases like:
  • "Ăn không được thì phá": A saying meaning "If I can't have it, I'll ruin it for everyone else," which perfectly captures the spirit of "phá thối".

1. (thông tục) như phá quấy