Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Vainglorious; arrogant; haughty: Describes a person's manner or expression as being excessively proud, self-important, and disdainful of others. It implies a swaggering, boastful attitude.
   • Warped; uneven (of objects): Describes something, typically made of wood, that has become bent or twisted out of shape in multiple places, often due to exposure to elements like sun or rain.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (describing attitude):
  • Anh ta có vẻ mặt vênh váo sau chiến thắng. (He had a vainglorious expression after the victory.)
  • Đừng có vênh váo chỉ vì được khen một lần. (Don't get arrogant just because you were praised once.)
• Adjective (describing objects):
  • Cánh cửa gỗ cũ để ngoài mưa nắng nên bị vênh váo. (The old wooden door was left out in the rain and sun, so it became warped.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in a disapproving or critical tone when referring to a person's character or behavior. It suggests a pride that is unwarranted and off-putting.

Variants and Related Words

• Vênh (adj/verb): To be warped, bent; or to act arrogantly. "Vênh váo" is an intensified, more descriptive form.
• Kiêu ngạo (adj): Arrogant, proud. This is a more formal synonym for the attitude sense.
• Hách dịch (adj): Bossy, imperious. Often used alongside "vênh váo" to describe an overbearing attitude.

Synonyms

• Cocky: Confident in an arrogant way.
• Conceited: Excessively proud of oneself.
• Swaggering: Walking or behaving in a very confident and arrogant manner.
• Warped: Bent or twisted out of shape (for objects).

Related Idioms

• Mặt vênh váo: A "vênh váo" face; a phrase describing a visibly arrogant and scornful facial expression.
  • Thằng bé được mẹ khen, mặt làm ra vẻ vênh váo. (The boy was praised by his mother and put on a haughty face.)

adj

1. vainglorious