Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Insolent, impertinent, saucy: Describes behavior, speech, or an attitude that is overly blunt, rude, lacking in politeness, tact, or respect for social norms.
   • Brash, tactless: Refers to being offensively bold and showing a lack of sensitivity or consideration for others.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Thái độ sỗ sàng. (An insolent attitude.)
  • Ăn nói sỗ sàng. (To speak saucily / to be impertinent in speech.)
  • Anh ta có lời nói rất sỗ. (His words are very brash.)
  • Đừng có sỗ sàng với người lớn tuổi như vậy. (Don't be so impertinent to your elders like that.)

Advanced Usage

• "sỗ sàng": This is the most common and complete form. While "sỗ" can be used alone, it is most frequently encountered as "sỗ sàng" to fully convey the meaning of rudeness or insolence.
  • Cử chỉ sỗ sàng. (Insolent gestures.)
  • Cô ấy bị phê bình vì tính cách sỗ sàng. (She was criticized for her impertinent character.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sỗ sàng (adj): The standard and most commonly used form, meaning insolent, impertinent, rude.
• Lỗ mãng (adj): Boorish, uncouth. This is a close synonym but can imply a coarser, more vulgar rudeness.
• Thô lỗ (adj): Rude, coarse. Emphasizes a lack of refinement and basic manners.
• Vô lễ (adj): Impolite, disrespectful. Focuses more on the lack of respect, especially towards superiors or elders.

Synonyms

• Bất lịch sự: Impolite, discourteous.
• Hỗn xược: Insolent, cheeky (often used for speech).
• Trắng trợn: Brazen, shameless (can overlap in contexts of blatant disrespect).
• Thiếu tế nhị: Lacking tact, indelicate.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Connotation: The word strongly implies a violation of social etiquette and expected norms of respectful interaction. It is not merely informal but actively offensive.
• Nuance: "Sỗ" / "sỗ sàng" often describes behavior that is inappropriately forward, blunt, or presumptuous, showing a lack of the subtlety ("tế nhị") required in polite society. The reference definition "trop libre" (too free) captures this idea of overstepping boundaries of propriety.

1. Insolent, impertinent, saucy
   • Thái độ sỗ sàng
     An insolent attitude
   • Ăn nói sỗ sàng
     An insolent attitude
   • Ăn nói sỗ sàng
     To speak saucily, to be saucy in one's words