Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sloppy, slovenly, untidy: Describes a state of being messy, disheveled, or carelessly arranged, often referring to one's appearance, clothing, or the state of an object or space. It implies a lack of neatness and order.
   • Loose, ill-fitting, hanging awkwardly: Specifically describes clothing that is too loose, not properly fastened, or hanging in an uneven, disorderly manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sao trông cậu lại xộc xà xộc xệch thế kia? (Why do you look so sloppy like that?)
  • Cái áo này rộng quá, mặc vào cứ xộc xà xộc xệch. (This shirt is too big; when I wear it, it's just loose and ill-fitting.)
  • Căn phòng xộc xà xộc xệch sau bữa tiệc. (The room was messy and untidy after the party.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase "xộc xà xộc xệch" is a reduplicative compound, a common feature in Vietnamese for emphasis or to create a vivid, descriptive quality. It is more expressive and colloquial than the single word "xộc xệch".

Variants and Related Words

• Xộc xệch (adj): The base form, meaning untidy, messy, or loose.
  • Đồ đạc để xộc xệch trên sàn. (Things were left in a mess on the floor.)

Synonyms

• Untidy: Not neat or arranged in order.
• Slovenly: Messy and dirty in appearance.
• Disheveled: (Of a person's hair, clothes, or appearance) untidy; disordered.
• Ill-fitting: (Of clothing) not the right size or shape for the wearer.

Related Idioms

• While "xộc xà xộc xệch" is itself a vivid descriptive phrase, it is often used in contexts similar to the English idiom "to look like a mess" or "to be all over the place."