xiểm nịnh

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To flatter obsequiously / to fawn: The act of using excessive, insincere praise, often in a servile manner, to gain favor or advantage from someone.
   • To toady / to suck up to: To behave in an overly flattering and submissive way toward someone perceived as powerful.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta luôn xiểm nịnh sếp để được thăng chức. (He always flatters the boss obsequiously to get a promotion.)
  • Tôi ghét những kẻ xiểm nịnh chỉ vì lợi ích cá nhân. (I hate those who fawn on others just for personal gain.)
  • Thái độ xiểm nịnh của anh ấy thật đáng khinh. (His toadying attitude is truly despicable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying deceit, a lack of integrity, and manipulation through praise. It describes behavior more extreme and servile than simple flattery.

Variants and Related Words

• Nịnh hót / Nịnh nọt (v): to flatter, to butter up. These are close synonyms but may be slightly less intense than "xiểm nịnh."

  • Cô ấy thích nịnh hót người giàu có. (She likes to butter up wealthy people.)

• Bợ đỡ (v): to flatter servilely, to curry favor. This is a very close synonym.

  • Hắn chuyên bợ đỡ những người có quyền thế. (He specializes in currying favor with powerful people.)

Synonyms

• Fawn: to flatter and praise excessively in a servile way.
• Toady: to act in an obsequious manner to gain advantage.
• Grovel: to behave humbly or abjectly, similar in servility.
• Kowtow: to act in an excessively submissive manner.

Related Idioms

• Nịnh trên nạt dưới: to fawn on superiors and bully subordinates. This idiom describes a two-faced, opportunistic character.
  • Hắn là kiểu người nịnh trên nạt dưới. (He is the type who fawns on superiors and bullies subordinates.)