Definition

Noun: - A fellow, a chap, a bloke, a guy: A colloquial term used to refer to a man, often with a nuance of familiarity, contempt, or judgment. It is a compound noun formed from "thằng" (a colloquial classifier for males, often impolite) and "cha" (father). Its meaning and offensiveness depend heavily on context and tone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thằng cha đó lại đến muộn rồi. (That fellow is late again.)
  • Tôi không ưa thằng cha lắm lời này. (I don't like this overly talkative bloke.)
  • Thằng cha ấy chả làm nên trò trống gì. (That guy won't accomplish anything.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is inherently informal and can range from neutral/familiar to rude and derogatory. The speaker's tone and relationship with the subject are crucial.
• It is typically used in direct speech or informal narratives, not in formal writing.
• Often used with demonstrative pronouns like , , (that, this).

Variants and Related Words

• Thằng (n): A colloquial, often impolite, classifier/noun for males. Can be neutral among close friends or very offensive.
• Cha (n): Father. In this compound, it loses its literal meaning and adds to the informal, sometimes disrespectful flavor.
• Gã (n): A more literary synonym for "fellow" or "chap," can also have a negative connotation but is less crude than "thằng cha."
• Anh chàng (n): A more neutral term meaning "the guy" or "the fellow."

Synonyms

• Gã: fellow, chap (can be negative or neutral).
• Kẻ: person, individual (often with a negative or descriptive connotation, e.g., - swindler).
• Người đàn ông đó: that man (neutral, formal).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Đồ thằng cha: You rascal!/You bastard! (An exclamation of anger or strong disapproval directed at a man).
• Thằng cha mất dạy: That ill-mannered bastard.
• Thằng cha láo xược: That insolent/cheeky fellow.

noun

1. chap, fellow, bloke