xùm xoà
Definition
- Adjective:
- Fluffy, bushy, or frizzy: Describes hair, fur, or foliage that is thick, puffed out, and stands out in a voluminous, somewhat messy, or unkempt manner.
- Exaggeratedly showy or fussy: Can describe an overly elaborate, ostentatious, or unnecessarily complicated appearance or manner, often with a negative connotation of being overdone.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Mái tóc cô ấy trông rất xùm xoà sau khi đi ngoài gió. (Her hair looked very fluffy/bushy after being in the wind.)
- Chiếc váy có nhiều lớp ren trông hơi xùm xoà. (The dress with many layers of lace looks a bit overly showy/fussy.)
- Con mèo bị ướt, lông nó xùm xoà hết lên. (The cat got wet, its fur became all frizzy and puffed out.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used to describe a natural, untamed state of hair or fur, or to criticize something for being excessively ornate and lacking elegance.
Variants and Related Words
- Xù xì (adj): Rough, coarse (to the touch), often used for surfaces like tree bark or skin, but can sometimes overlap in describing a rough, unkempt appearance.
- Bù xù (adj): Specifically and strongly denotes messy, tangled, and uncombed hair.
Synonyms
- Bushy: Thick and spreading.
- Frizzy: Formed of tight, small curls in a way that looks dry and voluminous.
- Fluffy: Soft, light, and full of air.
- Ostentatious: Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Làm to chuyện xùm xoà: To make a big, exaggerated fuss about something.
- Chỉ một lỗi nhỏ, đừng làm to chuyện xùm xoà. (It's just a small mistake, don't make a big, exaggerated fuss about it.)