xơi xơi
Definition
- Adverb:
- Sharply, harshly, or acrimoniously: Used to describe the manner of scolding, reprimanding, or speaking in a severe, biting, and continuous way.
- Sound of continuous, rapid speech or scolding: Imitates the sound or describes the nature of non-stop, vigorous talking, often in anger.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Sếp mắng nhân viên xơi xơi vì lỗi sai nghiêm trọng. (The boss scolded the employee sharply for the serious mistake.)
- Bà ấy nói xơi xơi cả tiếng đồng hồ không ngừng. (She talked rapidly and non-stop for a whole hour without pause.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is onomatopoeic, evoking the sound of rapid, forceful speech. It is almost exclusively used in informal contexts to intensify verbs related to verbal criticism or incessant talking.
- It often implies a one-sided verbal attack where the recipient has little chance to respond.
Variants and Related Words
- Sa sả (adv): An interchangeable variant with nearly identical meaning, describing loud, continuous, and vehement speech.
- Anh ấy quát sa sả vào điện thoại. (He yelled vehemently into the phone.)
Synonyms
- Harshly: In a severe or cruel manner.
- Vehemently: In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner.
- Acrimoniously: In an angry and bitter way.
- Non-stop: Without stopping.
Related Idioms
- Mắng xơi xơi: To scold or berate someone sharply and continuously.
- Đứa trẻ bị mẹ mắng xơi xơi sau khi bị điểm kém. (The child was sharply scolded by his mother after getting a bad grade.)