to xác

Một con voi to xác đang uống nước ở bờ sông.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, bulky, or oversized body: Refers to a person or animal with a notably large physical frame, often implying clumsiness or lack of grace due to size.
   • An oaf or lout: Used derogatorily to describe a person who is not only large in stature but also considered stupid, clumsy, or incapable.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hắn ta chỉ là một to xác, chẳng làm được việc gì ra hồn. (He's just an oaf, incapable of doing any proper work.)
  • Con voi có cái to xác đồ sộ. (The elephant has a massive, bulky body.)
  • Đừng có hành động như một to xác ngốc nghếch. (Don't act like a stupid lout.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is inherently informal and carries a negative, often insulting connotation. It criticizes not just physical size but also implies a lack of intelligence, agility, or usefulness.

Variants and Related Words

• To lớn (adj): Large, big (neutral in tone, describes size without negative judgment).
  • Anh ấy có thân hình to lớn. (He has a large physique.)

Synonyms

• Oaf: A stupid, uncultured, or clumsy person.
• Lout: An uncouth or aggressive man or boy.
• Hulk: A large, clumsy person.

Related Idioms

• To xác mà ngốc: A direct, colloquial phrase meaning "big but stupid."
  • Nó đúng là to xác mà ngốc, chuyện đơn giản thế cũng không hiểu. (He's truly big but stupid, he doesn't even understand such a simple matter.)