Definition

1. Adjective:
   • To be overly or excessively sweet, affectionate, or ingratiating in speech or manner, often in a way that feels insincere, cloying, or exaggerated. It describes behavior or language that is excessively sugary, fawning, or sentimental.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy nói năng xơn xớt quá, nghe không thật lòng. (Her speech is too ingratiating; it doesn't sound sincere.)
  • Anh ta có thói quen xơn xớt với sếp. (He has a habit of being overly sweet with the boss.)
  • Lời khen xơn xớt của họ khiến tôi khó chịu. (Their cloying praise made me uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "xơn xớt" is often used in a critical or negative sense to highlight the lack of genuineness in overly affectionate or flattering behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Thơn thớt (adj): This is a synonym with a very similar meaning, also describing speech that is overly smooth, sweet, or glib, often insincerely.

Synonyms

• Ingratiating: intended to gain approval or favor, especially through flattery.
• Cloying: excessively sweet, sentimental, or flattering to the point of being unpleasant.
• Saccharine: excessively sweet or sentimental.
• Fawning: displaying exaggerated flattery or affection.

Related Idioms

• Nói ngọt xớt: An idiom meaning to speak in an excessively sweet or flattering way.
  • Đừng nói ngọt xớt nữa, hãy đi thẳng vào vấn đề. (Stop with the sweet talk; get straight to the point.)