Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slanted; oblique; not straight or level: Describes something positioned at an angle, not aligned vertically or horizontally. It often implies a slight, uneven, or awkward tilt.
   • Crooked; askew: Describes something placed in a misaligned or haphazard manner, resulting in an untidy appearance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bức tranh bị treo xéo xó trên tường. (The picture was hung askew on the wall.)
  • Anh ấy đặt cái bàn xéo xó trong góc phòng. (He placed the table crookedly in the corner of the room.)
  • Mấy viên gạch lát xéo xó trông rất cẩu thả. (The slanted paving bricks look very sloppy.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "xéo xó" is often used to describe physical objects and their arrangement. It carries a connotation of carelessness or lack of precision in placement.
• It can sometimes be used figuratively to describe a situation or plan that is not straightforward or is somewhat "off."

Variants and Related Words

• Xéo (adj/adv): Diagonal, diagonally. A more standard term for a diagonal line or direction.

  • Cắt tờ giấy theo đường xéo. (Cut the paper along the diagonal line.)

• Xẹo (adj): Often used in tandem with "xéo" in the reduplicative form "xéo xẹo", reinforcing the meaning of being slanted or crooked.

Synonyms

• Askew: Not in a straight or level position.
• Crooked: Bent or twisted out of shape or position.
• Slanted: Positioned at an angle; inclined.
• Oblique: Neither parallel nor at a right angle; slanting.

Related Idioms

• Xéo xéo xẹo xẹo: A reduplicated form emphasizing a state of being very crooked, uneven, or out of alignment.
  • Căn nhà cũ xây xéo xéo xẹo xẹo. (The old house was built all crooked and askew.)