xã vệ
Một người đàn ông mập mạp, vụng về được gọi là xã vệ đang ngồi trên một chiếc ghế gỗ.
Definition
- Noun (archaic, pejorative):
- A large, clumsy, or poorly built man: Refers to a man who is physically large, ungainly, or of ungraceful stature.
- An eccentric or fussy person: Can imply someone who is not only large but also has peculiar or finicky manners.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông chủ mới là một người xã vệ, đi lại chậm chạp. (The new boss is a large, clumsy man who moves slowly.)
- Đừng có làm ra vẻ xã vệ như thế! (Don't act like such a fussy, eccentric person!)
Advanced Usage
- The term is considered archaic and is rarely used in modern Vietnamese. It carries a distinctly negative and somewhat mocking connotation.
Word Origin and Notes
- Etymology: The word is believed to be derived from a French colonial-era term, possibly from the French word "poussah," which refers to a type of traditional Chinese tumbler doll (a roly-poly toy), often used figuratively to describe a squat, unsteady, or comical person.
- Register: This is a historical term. Its use today would be found primarily in classical literature or to deliberately evoke an old-fashioned or derogatory tone.
Synonyms
- Lummox: a clumsy, stupid person.
- Oaf: a rough or clumsy man.
- Fussbudget: a person who is fussy about minor details.