trợn trạo
Definition
- 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.)