ẻo ọe
Definition
Adjective:
- Affectedly delicate or weak: Describes a mannerism or behavior that is excessively dainty, feeble, or fragile, often in an exaggerated or pretentious way.
- Fussy or finicky: Refers to acting in a difficult, hard-to-please, or overly particular manner, especially regarding trivial things.
Adjective (descriptive):
- Languidly weak: Can describe a physical state of appearing excessively limp, lacking vitality, or being feebly delicate.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cô ấy ăn uống ẻo ọe quá, chỉ một chút cũng khen ngon rồi bỏ dở. (Her eating manner is so affectedly delicate; she praises the food after just a bite and then leaves it.)
- Đừng có ẻo ọe, tự mình làm được mà! (Don't be so fussy/finicky; you can do it yourself!)
- Dáng đi ẻo ọe của nhân vật đó khiến khán giả khó chịu. (That character's languidly weak walk made the audience uncomfortable.)
Advanced Usage
- The word is often used in a slightly critical or mocking tone to describe someone (typically, but not exclusively, a woman) who is perceived as putting on airs, being unnecessarily frail, or making a show of being delicate.
- It can describe behavior, speech, movement, or demeanor.
Variants and Related Words
- Ẻo họe: A variant form with the same meaning.
- Tính cô ấy hay ẻo họe. (Her personality is often fussy/finicky.)
Synonyms
- Affected: Behaving in an artificial way to impress.
- Finicky: Fussy about details.
- Languid: Displaying a disinclination for physical exertion; slow and relaxed.
- Frail: Weak and delicate.
Related Idioms
- Làm màu ẻo ọe: To put on airs or act in a coquettish, affected manner.
- Cô ta cứ làm màu ẻo ọe trước mặt mọi người. (She keeps putting on affected airs in front of everyone.)