tếu táo
Definition
- Adjective:
- Humorous / Jocular: Describes a person, manner, or remark that is playfully funny, witty, or intended to amuse, often by being slightly silly or mischievous.
- Lacking seriousness / Flippant: Indicates a lighthearted, non-serious, or jesting attitude that may not be suitable for formal or solemn situations.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Anh ấy có tính cách rất tếu táo. (He has a very humorous/jocular personality.)
- Đừng tếu táo trong giờ học. (Don't be flippant during class.)
- Câu chuyện tếu táo của anh ấy khiến mọi người cười. (His jocular story made everyone laugh.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is informal and often carries a connotation of playful, sometimes childish, humor. It can be used affectionately but may also imply a mild criticism when seriousness is expected.
Variants and Related Words
- Tếu (adj): A shortened, even more colloquial form meaning funny or joking.
- Trông bộ dạng nó thật tếu. (He looks really funny.)
Synonyms
- Humorous: Characterized by humor; funny.
- Jocular: Fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful.
- Flippant: Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
- Playful: Full of fun and high spirits; fond of games and amusement.
Related Idioms
- Làm tếu / Ăn nói tếu táo: To act or speak in a jocular/joking manner.
- Cậu ấy thích làm tếu trước đám đông. (He likes to joke around in front of a crowd.)