Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Rolling one's eyes in a fierce, insolent, or defiant manner: Describes the action of opening one's eyes wide and rolling them to express anger, disrespect, or a challenging attitude.
   • Arrogant, insolent in demeanor: Describes an overall arrogant, rude, or brazen facial expression or attitude, often conveyed through the eyes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó nhìn tôi với ánh mắt trợn trạo. (He looked at me with a defiant, rolling glare.)
  • Đừng có trợn trạo với người lớn như thế! (Don't be so insolent and roll your eyes at adults like that!)
  • Vẻ mặt trợn trạo của nó khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His arrogant expression annoyed everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "trợn trạo" is often used to criticize behavior that is considered rude and lacking in respect, especially from a younger person towards an elder. It strongly implies a combination of visual expression (the eyes) and underlying attitude.

Variants and Related Words

• Trợn mắt (v): to glare, to open one's eyes wide (often in anger or surprise).
  • Nó trợn mắt lên khi nghe tin đó. (He glared/his eyes widened when he heard that news.)

Synonyms

• Insolent: showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
• Defiant: showing open resistance or bold disobedience.
• Brazen: bold and without shame.

Related Idioms

• Trợn mắt trợn mũi: to glare fiercely (literally, to roll one's eyes and nostrils), emphasizing an extremely angry and confrontational expression.
  • Thằng bé trợn mắt trợn mũi khi bị mắng. (The boy glared fiercely when he was scolded.)