thèo lẻo

Thân thiện

Một đứa trẻ đang thèo lẻo với mẹ về chuyện của anh trai.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To peach, to sneak, to tell tales: The primary meaning of "thèo lẻo" is to secretly report someone's misdeeds or private information to an authority figure (like a parent, teacher, or boss) in order to get that person into trouble or to gain favor for oneself. It implies a sense of betrayal and mischievous intent.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừng có thèo lẻo với mẹ nghe không! (Don't you go telling tales to Mom, you hear!)
  • Nó thèo lẻo với cô giáo là tôi không làm bài tập. (He sneaked on me to the teacher, saying I didn't do my homework.)
  • Bọn trẻ hay thèo lẻo nhau. (Children often tell tales on each other.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "thèo lẻo" carries a strong negative connotation. It is not a neutral term for "reporting" but specifically describes the act of tattling or snitching with childish or petty motives.

Variants and Related Words

• Mách lẻo (v): This is a direct synonym for "thèo lẻo" with identical meaning and usage.
  • Thằng bé hay mách lẻo bạn. (The boy often tells tales on his friends.)

Synonyms

• To tell tales: To report someone's wrongdoing, especially to get them into trouble.
• To tattle: To reveal secrets or misdeeds, often by a child.
• To sneak (on someone): To inform on someone secretly.
• To snitch: (Informal) To act as an informer.

Related Idioms

• Thèo lẻo như chim khách: (To chatter/tattle like a magpie) This idiom emphasizes someone who is a habitual tale-teller or who talks/gossips incessantly.
  • Đứa bé đó thèo lẻo như chim khách. (That child chatters/tattles like a magpie.)

Học thuật

verb

1. to peach, to sneak, to tell tales