xuê xoa
Definition
- 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.)