voi nan
Definition
- Noun:
- A tall but stupid person: A derogatory term describing someone who is physically large or tall but lacks intelligence or common sense. It compares the person to a large elephant ("voi") made of straw ("nan"), implying a grand appearance with no substance.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Anh ta trông cao lớn nhưng thực sự là một voi nan. (He looks tall and big but is truly a tall but stupid person.)
- Đừng có mà làm voi nan, to xác mà không biết gì. (Don't be a tall but stupid person, big-bodied but knowing nothing.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently pejorative and is used almost exclusively in informal, critical, or mocking contexts to insult someone's intellect in contrast to their physical stature.
Variants and Related Words
- To xác (adj): A related, common insult meaning "big-bodied" or "hulking," often implying clumsiness or lack of intelligence.
- Nó chỉ to xác thôi. (He's just a big body [and nothing else].)
Synonyms
- Oaf: A clumsy, stupid person.
- Lummox: A clumsy, stupid person.
- Dullard: A slow or stupid person.
Related Idioms
- To đầu mà dại: An idiom with a similar structure, meaning "big head but foolish," used to criticize someone for being older or appearing mature but acting foolishly.
- Thằng đó to đầu mà dại lắm. (That guy has a big head [is older] but is very foolish.)