Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Mocking, sarcastic, or jeering: Describes a manner of speech or behavior that lightly mocks, teases, or makes fun of someone or something, often in a playful or taunting way. It implies a tone of ridicule or gentle scorn.
   • Derisive or scoffing: Conveys an attitude of contemptuous or dismissive mockery.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta nói với giọng xăm xỉa khi nhận xét về bộ trang phục mới của tôi. (He spoke in a mocking tone when commenting on my new outfit.)
  • Đừng có xăm xỉa người khác như thế! (Don't jeer at others like that!)
  • Cô ấy chỉ cười xăm xỉa mà không trả lời câu hỏi. (She only gave a scoffing laugh and did not answer the question.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "xăm xỉa" is often used to describe a specific, perceptible tone of voice (giọng xăm xỉa) or a type of smile/laugh (cười xăm xỉa) that carries the meaning of mockery.
• It can describe an action performed with a sneering or taunting attitude.

Variants and Related Words

• Chế nhạo (v): to mock, to ridicule.
  • Họ thường chế nhạo cách nói chuyện của anh ấy. (They often mock his way of speaking.)
• Giễu cợt (v): to deride, to make fun of.
  • Bài báo đó giễu cợt các chính trị gia. (That article derides politicians.)

Synonyms

• Mocking: making fun of someone or something in a cruel way.
• Jeering: making rude and mocking remarks.
• Scoffing: expressing contempt or derision.
• Taunting: provoking someone with insulting remarks.
• Sarcastic: using irony to mock or convey contempt.

Related Idioms

• Nói xăm xỉa: to speak mockingly.
  • Cậu ấy hay nói xăm xỉa về chuyện người khác thất bại. (He often speaks mockingly about other people's failures.)
• Cười xăm xỉa: to laugh scornfully/derisively.
  • Nghe xong đề xuất, ông chủ chỉ cười xăm xỉa. (After hearing the proposal, the boss just laughed scornfully.)