Definition

Adjective: - Weakly; puny; frail; delicate: Describes a physical state of being slender, fragile, or lacking in strength, often with a connotation of gracefulness or effeminacy. It can refer to a person's physique, movements, or demeanor. - Effeminate; mincing: Describes mannerisms, gait, or speech that are perceived as overly delicate, soft, or lacking masculine vigor.

Usage Examples

• Describing a frail physique:

  • Cô ấy có thân hình ẻo lả. (She has a frail/delicate figure.)
  • Sau trận ốm, anh ấy trông thật ẻo lả. (After the illness, he looks very puny/weakly.)

• Describing delicate or effeminate mannerisms:

  • Anh ta đi đứng ẻo lả. (He walks with a mincing/effeminate gait.)
  • Giọng nói ẻo lả của anh ấy khiến mọi người chú ý. (His delicate/effeminate voice attracted everyone's attention.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ẻo lả" is often used with a slightly negative or critical nuance when describing men, implying a lack of traditional masculine robustness. When describing women, it can be neutral or even slightly positive, emphasizing delicacy and grace.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is insubstantial or lacking force.
  • Lập luận ẻo lả đó không thuyết phục được ai. (That weak/puny argument couldn't convince anyone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ẻo (adj): A root suggesting limpness, flaccidity, or lack of firmness. Often used in compounds.
• Lả lướt (adj): Gracefully slender and flowing; more positive than "ẻo lả," focusing on elegance.
• Yếu ớt (adj): Weak, feeble; focuses more on lack of strength without the connotation of (effeminate) grace.
• Mảnh khảnh (adj): Slender, slim; generally positive, describing a gracefully thin figure.

Synonyms

• Yếu đuối: Weak, feeble.
• Mảnh dẻ: Slender, slim.
• Ốm yếu: Thin and weak.
• Thướt tha: Graceful, flowing (often for movements or clothing).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đi đứng ẻo lả: To walk with a mincing or effeminate gait.
• Người ẻo lả như tàu chuối: (Simile) A person as frail as a banana leaf (very frail and easily shaken).

adj

1. weakly; puny