Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Careless, slapdash, or done without proper care or seriousness: Describes an action performed in a hasty, rough, or superficial manner, lacking attention to detail, thoroughness, or proper form.
   • Flippant or disrespectful in speech: Describes speaking in a rude, offhand, or unserious way, often showing a lack of respect or consideration.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta sửa cái xe một cách quếu quáo, nên nó lại hỏng ngay. (He fixed the car in a slapdash manner, so it broke again immediately.)
  • Đừng có quếu quáo với người lớn như thế! (Don't be so flippant/disrespectful to your elders like that!)
  • Công việc này đòi hỏi sự cẩn thận, làm quếu quáo là không xong. (This job requires carefulness; doing it carelessly won't work.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is informal and often carries a negative, criticizing tone. It is used to reprimand or point out a lack of diligence or respect.
• It can describe both tangible actions (like repairing, cleaning, building) and intangible conduct (like speaking, responding).

Variants and Related Words

• Qua loa (adj): superficial, perfunctory. Similar in meaning to regarding careless action, but does not typically carry the connotation of disrespectful speech.
• Cẩu thả (adj): sloppy, negligent. Emphasizes negligence and lack of responsibility, often with more serious consequences than .

Synonyms

• Carelessly: in a careless way.
• Slapdash: done too hurriedly and carelessly.
• Flippantly: in a disrespectful or frivolous way.
• Perfunctorily: carried out with minimal effort or reflection.

Related Idioms

• Làm cho xong việc: to do something just to get it over with. This phrase describes the attitude often behind a action.
  • Nó làm bài tập quếu quáo, kiểu làm cho xong việc thôi. (He did his homework carelessly, just to get it over with.)