Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Rude; impolite; insolent: Describes speech or behavior that shows a lack of respect, often from a subordinate to a superior, or a child to an adult. It implies being cheeky, impertinent, or answering back disrespectfully.
   • Sassy; fresh: A less formal translation capturing a bold and disrespectful attitude, often in a youthful context.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đứa bé xược! (What a rude child!)
  • Nó trả lời xược với thầy giáo. (He answered the teacher insolently.)
  • Thái độ xược của nó khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His insolent attitude made everyone uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "xược" is often used in contexts highlighting a breach of hierarchical or age-based respect, such as a child to a parent, a student to a teacher, or a junior to a senior. It carries a stronger moral judgment than a simple synonym for "rude."

Variants and Related Words

• Hỗn xược (adj): A stronger, more formal compound meaning insolent, impudent, or blatantly disrespectful.

  • Lời nói hỗn xược đó không thể chấp nhận được. (That impudent remark is unacceptable.)

• Xấc xược (adj): A common variant with identical meaning to "hỗn xược," meaning sassy, impudent.

  • Cô ta có thái độ xấc xược với cấp trên. (She has a sassy attitude toward her superiors.)

Synonyms

• Insolent: Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
• Impertinent: Not showing proper respect; rude.
• Cheeky: Impolitely bold; often used in a slightly less severe context.

Related Idioms

• Xược mặt: To be/become insolent to someone's face; to show blatant disrespect directly.
  • Nó dám xược mặt với ông chủ. (He dared to be insolent to the boss's face.)