Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Crestfallen, dejected, or downcast: Describes a state of visible disappointment, low spirits, or deflated mood, often shown through one's demeanor or facial expression. It implies a loss of enthusiasm or energy due to a setback or failure.
   • Sheepish or abashed: Can describe a feeling of mild shame or embarrassment, often after being scolded or making a mistake.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nghe tin trượt đại học, nó ngồi tiu nghỉu một góc. (Upon hearing the news of failing the university exam, he sat crestfallen in a corner.)
  • Đứa bé bị mẹ mắng, mặt tiu nghỉu. (The child was scolded by his mother and looked sheepish.)
  • Cả đội bước ra sân với vẻ mặt tiu nghỉu sau trận thua. (The whole team walked off the field with dejected faces after the loss.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in a descriptive, somewhat informal context to paint a vivid picture of someone's defeated or ashamed posture and expression. It is frequently paired with words describing facial expressions or posture.

Variants and Related Words

• Tiu ngỉu: A common variant spelling with the same meaning.
• Ủ rũ (adj): drooping, languid; often used for plants or people looking sad and lacking energy.
• Thất vọng (adj): disappointed (a more general and direct term for disappointment).

Synonyms

• Crestfallen: Sad and disappointed.
• Dejected: In low spirits from loss of hope or courage.
• Sheepish: Showing embarrassment from shame or foolishness.
• Downcast: (Of eyes) looking downward, or (of a person) low in spirit.

Related Idioms

• Tiu nghỉu như chó cụt đuôi: As dejected as a dog with a docked tail. A vivid simile emphasizing extreme dejection or shame.
  • Thua trận, các cầu thủ trở về tiu nghỉu như chó cụt đuôi. (After losing the match, the players returned as dejected as dogs with docked tails.)