Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Glib, smooth-talking, or slick-tongued: Describes someone who speaks with excessive and insincere fluency, often in a flattering, boastful, or unscrupulous manner. It implies a lack of genuineness or honesty behind the words.
   • Voluble and unprincipled: Characterizes speech that is both rapid, effortless, and lacking in moral consideration or truthfulness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta nói xoen xoét về những thành tích của mình. (He glibly boasted about his achievements.)
  • Đừng tin những lời xoen xoét của kẻ đó. (Don't believe the slick talk of that person.)
  • Cô ấy tán xoen xoét nhưng không có ý định thực hiện. (She promised glibly but had no intention of following through.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used to modify verbs related to speech, such as "nói" (to speak), "tán" (to chat up/praise), or "hứa" (to promise). It carries a strong negative connotation of dishonesty or empty flattery.

Variants and Related Words

• Xoen xoẻt: A common variant spelling with the same meaning.
• Nói xạo (v): to talk nonsense, to lie. (While also negative, it is more direct than "xoen xoét," which emphasizes the fluent, effortless style of the dishonest speech.)

Synonyms

• Glib: Speaking readily but without sincerity.
• Smooth-talking: Using charming, persuasive language that may be deceptive.
• Unctuous: Excessively flattering or ingratiating.
• Voluble: Speaking incessantly and fluently.

Related Idioms

• Nói xoen xoét: This is the standard collocation, meaning "to speak glibly" or "to smooth-talk."
  • Hắn nói xoen xoét để lấy lòng sếp. (He smooth-talked to curry favor with the boss.)