tiểu yêu
Definition
- Noun:
- A little devil; a small imp: A term used to describe a mischievous, playful, or naughty child, often with a sense of affectionate teasing rather than serious condemnation. It implies a small-scale troublemaker.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Thằng bé đó đúng là một tiểu yêu, lúc nào cũng nghịch ngợm. (That boy is a real little devil, always up to mischief.)
- Đừng tưởng con gái là ngoan, con tôi cũng là một tiểu yêu đấy. (Don't think girls are well-behaved; my daughter is a little imp too.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used endearingly within families. While "yêu" can mean "devil" or "demon," the prefix "tiểu" (small, little) softens it, making it suitable for describing charming naughtiness.
Variants and Related Words
- Yêu quái (n): A monster or demon; a much stronger and more serious term for an evil supernatural creature.
- Quỷ sứ (n): A devil or fiend; emphasizes malicious evil.
Synonyms
- Imp: A small, mischievous devil or sprite.
- Rascal: A mischievous or cheeky person, especially a child.
- Scamp: A person, especially a child, who is mischievous in a likable way.
Related Idioms
- While "tiểu yêu" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it relates to the cultural concept of affectionately blaming a child's bad behavior on mischievous supernatural influences.