Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flap gently, to wave gently: Describes a light, gentle, and often leisurely back-and-forth or fanning motion, typically using a handheld object like a fan.
   • (Slang) To smuggle: In colloquial usage, it can refer to the act of smuggling goods.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Literal Motion):
  • Bà cụ ngồi phe phẩy cái quạt nan. (The old lady sat gently fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan.)
  • Anh ấy phe phẩy tờ giấy cho mực khô. (He waved the paper gently to dry the ink.)
• Verb (Slang - Smuggling):
  • Chúng bị bắt vì tội phe phẩy hàng qua biên giới. (They were arrested for smuggling goods across the border.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often conveys a sense of relaxed, unhurried, and graceful movement. It is not used for vigorous or forceful waving.
• In its literal sense, it is most commonly associated with the action of using a traditional hand fan.

Variants and Related Words

• Phe (v, slang): A shortened, more vulgar slang form meaning to smuggle. Note: This is a separate, related slang term.
  • Bọn chúng chuyên đi phe hàng lậu. (They specialize in smuggling contraband goods.)

Synonyms

• Vẫy nhẹ: To wave gently.
• Quạt nhẹ: To fan gently.
• (For slang) Buôn lậu: To smuggle.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most common meaning is the gentle fanning motion.
• The slang meaning (smuggling) is derived from the idea of moving goods covertly and is considered informal/colloquial. Context is crucial to distinguish between the two meanings.

1. Flap gently
   • Phe phẩy cái quạt
     To flap gently one's fan
2. (khẩu ngữ) như phe