Definition

1. Verb:
   • To nitpick / to pick at minor faults: The primary meaning of "xoi móc" is to scrutinize and point out the smallest flaws or shortcomings of others, often in an excessive, petty, or fault-finding manner.
   • To pry / to dig up dirt: It can also mean to deliberately investigate and bring to light someone's hidden mistakes, weaknesses, or private affairs with a negative intention.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cô ấy thích xoi móc lỗi nhỏ của đồng nghiệp. (She likes to nitpick her colleagues' minor mistakes.)
  • Đừng xoi móc chuyện quá khứ của người khác. (Don't dig up dirt on other people's past.)
  • Báo chí giới trẻ đôi khi xoi móc đời tư của người nổi tiếng. (Youth press sometimes pries into the private lives of celebrities.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative connotation, implying criticism that is unnecessary, mean-spirited, or focused on trivial details rather than constructive feedback.

Variants and Related Words

• Chỉ trích (v): to criticize. This is a more general term for criticism and can be constructive or negative, unlike "xoi móc" which is always petty.
• Bới móc (v): to rake up, to dig up. This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "xoi móc" to mean uncovering old faults or secrets.

Synonyms

• Nitpick: to criticize minor details.
• Carp: to complain or find fault continually.
• Fault-find: to look for and point out faults.

Related Idioms

• Xoi móc lỗi người: to pick holes in someone.
  • Anh ta chẳng làm được gì, chỉ giỏi xoi móc lỗi người. (He can't do anything himself, he's only good at picking holes in people.)