Definition

1. Verb phrase (colloquial, often derogatory):
   • To show one's face (impudently or shamelessly): To appear or present oneself somewhere, especially when one's presence is unwelcome, inappropriate, or demonstrates a lack of shame.
   • To put on airs / to assume a haughty demeanor: To present oneself with an arrogant or pretentious attitude.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Nó lại vác mặt đến xin tiền. (He had the nerve to show his face again to ask for money.)
  • Sau scandal đó, không hiểu sao anh ta còn dám vác mặt lên công ty. (After that scandal, I don't know how he still dares to show his face at the company.)
  • Đừng có vác mặt lên với tôi! (Don't you dare put on airs with me!)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used in negative contexts to express criticism, contempt, or annoyance towards someone's audacious presence or attitude.
• It implies the subject is disregarding social judgment, shame, or propriety.

Variants and Related Words

• Vác (v): to carry on one's shoulder. This literal meaning forms the basis of the idiom, implying "carrying" one's face somewhere, often where it doesn't belong.
• Mặt dày (adj): thick-skinned, shameless. A related concept describing a person's character, while "vác mặt" describes the action resulting from it.

Synonyms

• To show up (shamelessly)
• To have the gall/nerve to appear
• To swagger in
• To put on airs (for the second meaning)

Related Idioms

• Vác mặt đến: to show up (impudently) at a place.

  • Hết tiền là nó vác mặt đến nhà tôi. (As soon as he's out of money, he shows up at my house.)

• Vác mặt lên: to adopt a haughty or presumptuous manner.

  • Mới được thăng chức đã vác mặt lên. (He just got promoted and already started putting on airs.)