Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Glossing over / Making light of: Describes the act of intentionally treating a fault, mistake, or serious matter lightly or superficially, often by using mild or vague words to avoid causing offense or confronting the issue directly.
   • Perfunctory / For form's sake: Characterizes speech or action that is done merely as a routine formality, without genuine intent to address the core problem, typically out of a desire to avoid conflict or hurt feelings.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta chỉ xuê xoa vài câu rồi bỏ qua lỗi của nhân viên. (He just glossed over it with a few words and let the employee's mistake slide.)
  • Đừng xuê xoa cho xong chuyện, chúng ta cần giải quyết tận gốc vấn đề. (Don't just be perfunctory to settle the matter; we need to solve the root of the problem.)
  • Lời xin lỗi của cô ấy nghe rất xuê xoa. (Her apology sounded very half-hearted and dismissive.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, implying criticism towards a lack of sincerity, thoroughness, or courage to address an issue properly.
• It is frequently used to describe the behavior of someone in a position of authority (e.g., a manager, parent) who handles a subordinate's error too leniently or superficially.

Variants and Related Words

• Xuề xòa (adj): A common variant spelling with the same meaning.
  • Tính anh ấy rất xuề xòa, ít khi nghiêm khắc với ai. (He has a very easy-going nature, rarely strict with anyone.)

Synonyms

• Dismissive: Showing indifference or disregard.
• Perfunctory: Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
• Gloss over: To treat or describe something as less serious or significant than it is.
• Half-hearted: Without enthusiasm or energy.

Related Idioms

• Làm cho xuê xoa: to handle something in a glossing-over manner.
  • Sự việc nghiêm trọng vậy mà sếp chỉ muốn làm cho xuê xoa. (The matter is serious, yet the boss just wants to handle it superficially.)