Definition

1. Adjective:
   • To be slightly raised or tilted upwards: Describes something, often a part of the body like a nose, chin, or tail, that is held or positioned in a noticeably upward, elevated, or proud manner.
   • To be haughty or arrogant: Used figuratively to describe a person's proud, conceited, or disdainful attitude, often reflected in their physical posture.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cậu bé ngồi vênh vểnh mặt lên, không thèm nghe ai. (The boy sat with his face tilted up, not listening to anyone.)
  • Con mèo nằm vênh vểnh đuôi trên ghế sofa. (The cat lay with its tail held high on the sofa.)
  • Thái độ vênh vểnh của anh ta khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His haughty attitude made everyone uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root "vểnh," which also means to be raised or upturned. The reduplication "vênh vểnh" often intensifies the meaning, adding a nuance of continuous or obvious display.

Variants and Related Words

• Vểnh (v/adj): to raise or be raised up (e.g., ears, tail). Often used for animals.

  • Con chó vểnh tai lên nghe ngóng. (The dog pricked up its ears to listen.)

• Vênh váo (adj): A closely related synonym, often used interchangeably with "vênh vểnh" to describe an arrogant, swaggering manner.

  • Nó trả lời với giọng vênh váo. (He answered in a swaggering tone.)

Synonyms

• Haughty: arrogantly superior and disdainful.
• Upturned: turned upwards at the end.
• Disdainful: showing contempt or lack of respect.

Related Idioms

• Vênh vểnh mặt lên: Literally "to have one's face tilted up," meaning to act proud or scornful.
  • Đừng có vênh vểnh mặt lên với người lớn như thế. (Don't act so scornfully towards your elders like that.)