xộc xệch
Definition
- Adjective:
- Loose; not tight; slack: Describes something that is not securely fastened, tied, or fitted, resulting in a lack of tension or stability.
- Loose; wobbly; having play: Describes a mechanical part or structure that is not firmly fixed, causing it to shake or rattle.
- Sloppy; slovenly; untidy: Describes an appearance, dress, or manner that is careless, unkempt, or disheveled.
- Disorganized; not running smoothly: Describes work, affairs, or a situation that is messy, inefficient, or poorly managed.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Gói hàng buộc xộc xệch. (The package is tied loosely.)
- Cánh cửa xộc xệch. (The door is wobbly.)
- Anh ta ăn mặc xộc xệch. (He dresses sloppily.)
- Công việc đang tiến hành một cách xộc xệch. (The work is proceeding in a disorganized manner.)
Advanced Usage
- The word can be reduplicated for emphasis as "xộc xà xộc xệch", intensifying the meaning of untidiness, looseness, or disorganization.
- Mọi thứ trong phòng bày ra xộc xà xộc xệch. (Everything in the room was laid out in a complete mess.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lỏng lẻo (adj): loose, insecure (often for systems, rules, or connections).
- Cẩu thả (adj): careless, slipshod (often regarding work or attitude).
Synonyms
- Loose: not firmly or tightly fixed in place.
- Slack: not taut or held tightly.
- Untidy: not arranged neatly or in order.
- Disheveled: untidy, disordered (especially of hair or clothing).
- Disorganized: not properly planned or controlled.
Related Idioms
- While "xộc xệch" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is used descriptively in phrases to criticize a state of disorder.
- Làm việc xộc xệch: to work in a sloppy, disorganized way.
- Để mọi thứ xộc xệch: to leave everything in a mess.