Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Grumpy, irritable, in a bad mood: Describes a person's facial expression or demeanor when they are easily annoyed, sulky, or frowning due to anger or displeasure. It often implies a sullen, scowling, or peevish attitude.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sao anh ấy trông quàu quạu thế? (Why does he look so grumpy?)
  • Đừng có quàu quạu với mọi người như vậy. (Don't be so irritable with everyone like that.)
  • Bà ấy thức dậy với bộ mặt quàu quạu. (She woke up with a sullen face.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is considered colloquial and is more commonly used in spoken Vietnamese, particularly in some regional dialects (địa phương). It vividly depicts a visibly cross or sulky expression.
• It is often used to describe a temporary state of irritability rather than a permanent personality trait.

Variants and Related Words

• Càu cạu: A near-identical synonym, also meaning grumpy or peevish. The reference states "quàu quạu (địa phương) như càu cạu".
• Quạu (adj): The root form, meaning angry or cross. "Quàu quạu" is a reduplicative form that intensifies the meaning.
• Cáu (adj): Irritated, annoyed. (e.g., - He is very annoyed.)
• Nhăn nhó (v): To grimace, to make a displeased face. Often associated with the expression described by "quàu quạu".

Synonyms

• Gắt gỏng: Irritable, snappish.
• Bực bội: Annoyed, vexed.
• Cáu kỉnh: Grumpy, cantankerous.
• Khó chịu: Uncomfortable, displeased (a more general term for annoyance).

Notes

• There are no direct phrasal verbs or idioms specifically formed with "quàu quạu" due to its adjectival and descriptive nature. Its usage is primarily as a standalone adjective to describe one's mood or expression.

1. (địa phương) như càu cạu