Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To twirl one's mustache: The literal action of curling or raising the ends of one's mustache upwards, often done with the fingers.
   • To look smug and self-satisfied: To appear content, proud, and slightly arrogant, often implying idleness or a sense of superiority. This is a figurative meaning derived from the stereotypical gesture of a person twirling their mustache while feeling pleased with themselves.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Ông ấy ngồi vểnh râu đọc báo. (He sat twirling his mustache while reading the newspaper.)
  • Đừng có vểnh râu lên vì chiến thắng nhỏ đó. (Don't get so smug because of that small victory.)
  • Anh ta vểnh râu ra vẻ ta đây biết tuốt. (He looked smug as if he knew everything.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "vểnh râu" is often used to depict a cliché image of a conceited or idle man, absorbed in self-admiration. It criticizes a posture of unearned pride or complacency.

Variants and Related Words

• Vênh váo (adj): arrogant, haughty. This adjective shares the same root and conveys a similar meaning of prideful behavior.
  • Thắng một trận đã vênh váo. (He became arrogant after winning just one match.)

Synonyms

• To gloat: to dwell on one's own success or another's misfortune with smugness.
• To be smug: to be excessively proud and self-satisfied.

Related Idioms

• Vểnh râu lên mà hưởng: An idiom meaning to sit back and enjoy the fruits (of one's labor or luck) in a smug, idle manner.
  • Công việc xong cả rồi, giờ chỉ việc vểnh râu lên mà hưởng. (The work is all done, now we can just sit back and enjoy.)