tên tục
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Birth name / Milk name: The informal name given by parents at birth, typically used only during childhood. It is often a vernacular (Nôm) and sometimes intentionally unflattering name, based on superstitious beliefs to avoid attracting the attention or malevolence of evil spirits. - Childhood name: A name used familiarly within the family during early life, distinct from the formal given name (tên chữ) or adult name.
Usage Examples
- ("Đồ Chiểu" is the birth name of the poet Nguyễn Đình Chiểu.)
- (According to superstition, giving an ugly birth name helps a child avoid evil spirits.)
- (Only within the family do they call each other by their childhood names.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept of a "tên tục" is deeply rooted in traditional Vietnamese folk beliefs and naming customs. It reflects a historical practice of using a "humble" or "ugly" name as a protective measure for the child's well-being.
Variants and Related Words
- Tên chữ (Noun): The formal, scholarly name, often Sino-Vietnamese, used in official contexts and adulthood.
- Tên húy (Noun): The taboo name, often the official registered name, used with respect and avoided in daily speech.
Synonyms
- Birth name
- Childhood name
- Milk name (a direct, culturally specific translation)
Related Cultural Concepts
- Tục đặt tên con xấu để dễ nuôi: The custom of giving children ugly names so they are easier to raise (a common folk belief).
- The "tên tục" stands in contrast to the tên chữ, highlighting the duality between informal/familial and formal/societal identity in traditional Vietnamese culture.