Definition

1. Verb:
   • To toady, to fawn, to ingratiate oneself: The core meaning of "xu phụ" is to act in a servile or excessively flattering manner towards someone, especially someone in a position of power or influence, in order to gain favor or advantage. It implies a lack of principle and self-respect, characterized by obsequious behavior.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta chỉ biết xu phụ cấp trên. (He only knows how to toady to his superiors.)
  • Thái độ xu phụ của anh ấy trước người giàu thật đáng khinh. (His fawning attitude before the rich is truly despicable.)
  • Không nên xu phụ quyền lực. (One should not ingratiate oneself with power.)

Advanced Usage

• The term carries a strong negative moral judgment. It is not a neutral description of politeness or diplomacy but a criticism of sycophantic and opportunistic behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Nịnh hót / Bợ đỡ (v): to flatter, to suck up to. These are close synonyms, though "xu phụ" often specifically implies targeting the powerful.
• Xu nịnh (v): a compound combining the ideas of obsequiousness and flattery; to fawn upon.

Synonyms

• Toady: to act in an obsequious way to gain advantage.
• Fawn: to flatter or praise excessively, to show exaggerated affection.
• Ingratiate oneself: to bring oneself into favor with someone by deliberate effort.
• Grovel: to behave in a servile or obsequious manner (stronger, implying abasement).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Xu phụ quyền thế: to toady to the powerful; a common collocation that perfectly captures the word's primary usage.
  • Hắn nổi tiếng với thói xu phụ quyền thế. (He is notorious for his habit of toadying to the powerful.)