Definition

1. Verb:
   • To show irreverence to superiors; to offend a superior: The act of disrespecting or offending someone of higher status, authority, or seniority, often in a rude or contemptuous manner. This term implies a violation of social or hierarchical norms regarding respect.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ta đã phạm thượng khi cãi lại lời của ông chủ. (He showed irreverence by talking back to his boss.)
  • Hành động đó bị coi là phạm thượng đối với các bậc tiền bối. (That action was considered offensive to the elders.)
  • Trong văn hóa truyền thống, phạm thượng là điều tối kỵ. (In traditional culture, showing irreverence to superiors is a major taboo.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "phạm thượng" is often used in formal, serious, or traditional contexts to describe a severe breach of etiquette, especially within hierarchical structures like family, academia, or royalty. It carries a strong moral and social judgment.
• It can be used in legal or religious contexts to describe blasphemy or lèse-majesté (offending the dignity of a sovereign).

Variants and Related Words

• Sự phạm thượng (Noun): The act or instance of showing irreverence; an offense against a superior.
  • Sự phạm thượng của anh ấy không thể tha thứ được. (His act of irreverence was unforgivable.)
• Kẻ phạm thượng (Noun): A person who commits such an offense; an irreverent person.
  • Hắn bị xem như một kẻ phạm thượng. (He is viewed as an irreverent person.)

Synonyms

• Bất kính: To be disrespectful, discourteous. (Less severe and more general than "phạm thượng").
• Vô lễ: To be impolite, rude. (Focuses on lack of manners rather than hierarchical offense).
• Xúc phạm: To insult, offend. (A broader term for causing offense, not specifically to a superior).

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Tội phạm thượng: The crime of lèse-majesté or blasphemy.
  • Trong chế độ quân chủ, tội phạm thượng bị trừng phạt rất nặng. (In monarchies, the crime of lèse-majesté is punished severely.)

1. show irreverence to superiors