xu mị

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To flatter obsequiously / to fawn: To act in an excessively flattering or servile manner towards someone, often to gain favor or advantage. It implies insincerity and exaggerated praise.
    • To toady / to suck up to: To behave in a way that shows excessive admiration or obedience towards someone in authority.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • Anh ta chỉ biết xu mị cấp trên. (He only knows how to fawn over his superiors.)
    • Đừng xu mị tôi, hãy nói sự thật. (Don't flatter me obsequiously, tell the truth.)
    • Thái độ xu mị của hắn khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His toadying attitude makes everyone uncomfortable.)
Advanced Usage
  • The word "xu mị" often carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting a lack of dignity and principle in the person who performs the action. It is associated with sycophantic behavior in hierarchical social or professional settings.
Variants and Related Words

  • Nịnh hót (v): to flatter, to butter up. This is a more common synonym, though it may sometimes lack the specific connotation of servile obedience found in "xu mị".

    • Hắn ta giỏi nịnh hót sếp. (He is good at buttering up the boss.)

  • Bợ đỡ (v): to flatter servilely, to curry favor. Very close in meaning to "xu mị".

    • Anh ấy chẳng làm gì ngoài việc bợ đỡ người có quyền. (He does nothing but curry favor with those in power.)
Synonyms
  • Fawn: To flatter someone excessively to gain favor.
  • Toady: To act in an obsequious way towards someone important.
  • Grovel: To behave in a servile or humiliating manner to obtain forgiveness or favor.
  • Kowtow: To act in an excessively subservient manner (from a historical context, now used figuratively).
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • Xu nịnh: A compound term combining "xu mị" and "nịnh" (to flatter), emphasizing the act of fawning and flattery.
    • Thói xu nịnh chẳng bao giờ mang lại lòng tin thực sự. (The habit of fawning never brings genuine trust.)