thèo bẻo
Definition
- Noun:
- A tattletale; a telltale: A person, often a child, who habitually reports the minor misdeeds or secrets of others to an authority figure, typically to get them into trouble or to gain favor for themselves. The term carries a strong negative connotation of being petty, annoying, and untrustworthy.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Đừng nói chuyện trước mặt nó, nó là đứa thèo bẻo. (Don't talk in front of him; he's a tattletale.)
- Cô giáo không thích học sinh thèo bẻo. (The teacher doesn't like students who are telltales.)
- Tao ghét nhất là thèo bẻo! (I hate tattletales the most!)
Advanced Usage
- The word "thèo bẻo" is often used in informal, colloquial contexts, particularly when scolding or complaining about someone's behavior. It is rarely used in formal writing.
Variants and Related Words
- Mách lẻo (v/n): to tattle; tattling. This is a direct synonym and is often used interchangeably with "thèo bẻo".
- Nó hay mách lẻo với mẹ. (He often tattles to his mother.)
Synonyms
- Tattletale: a person who reveals secrets or informs on others.
- Telltale: a person, especially a child, who informs on others.
- Snitch (informal): a person who informs on someone.
- Informant: (in this context, a less childish synonym) one who gives information.
Related Idioms
- While "thèo bẻo" itself is not typically part of a longer idiom, the behavior is commonly described in phrases like:
- Chuyện bé xé ra to: to make a mountain out of a molehill (similar to the action of a thèo bẻo who exaggerates minor issues).