Definition

1. Verb:
   • To spread a rumour: The act of deliberately circulating unverified, often false or misleading, information. This action is typically done with an intent to deceive, manipulate public opinion, or create a specific reaction.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Một số tài khoản mạng đang cố tình phao tin đồn thất thiệt về tình hình kinh tế. (Some online accounts are deliberately spreading false rumours about the economic situation.)
  • Đừng phao tin rằng công ty sắp phá sản. (Don't spread the rumour that the company is going bankrupt.)
  • Họ bị bắt vì tội phao tin giả mạo. (They were arrested for the crime of spreading fake news.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a strong negative connotation, implying malice, irresponsibility, or an agenda behind the act of spreading information. It is frequently used in contexts related to journalism, politics, and social media.

Variants and Related Words

• Phao tin đồn (v): This is a more complete and common form, where "tin đồn" explicitly means "rumour." The meaning is identical to "phao tin."
  • Ai đó đã phao tin đồn về một vụ scandal mới. (Someone spread a rumour about a new scandal.)

Synonyms

• To rumour-monger: To spread rumours, often habitually.
• To circulate a rumour: To pass a rumour from person to person.
• To propagate misinformation: To spread false or inaccurate information.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Phao tin vịt: To spread a "duck" story; meaning to spread a false or fabricated news report (from the phrase "tin vịt" - canard).
  • Tờ báo đó nổi tiếng vì hay phao tin vịt. (That newspaper is famous for often spreading canards.)

verb

1. to spread a rumour