ẻo ợt

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Affectedly delicate or weak; overly dainty: Describes a manner, appearance, or behavior that is excessively and artificially gentle, frail, or lacking in natural strength or vigor. It often implies a performance or display that is not genuine.
   • Frivolous; not serious; shallow: Describes something lacking depth, substance, or earnestness; superficial or trivial in nature.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Giọng nói của cô ấy nghe rất ẻo ợt. (Her voice sounds very affectedly delicate.)
  • Anh ta có một vẻ ẻo ợt, thiếu chân thành. (He has a frivolous, insincere air.)
  • Lời xin lỗi ẻo ợt đó chẳng có giá trị gì. (That shallow apology is worthless.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used critically to describe artistic performances (like singing or acting) that are perceived as overly sweet, weak, and lacking in authentic power or emotion.
  • Bài hát bị cô ấy thể hiện một cách ẻo ợt. (The song was performed by her in an affectedly weak manner.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ẻo lả (adj): Similar to "ẻo ợt," emphasizing affected softness, languidness, or coquettishness.

Synonyms

• Affected: Behaving in an artificial way to impress.
• Frivolous: Not having any serious purpose or value.
• Wishy-washy: Lacking in strength, character, or conviction.
• Insipid: Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.

Related Idioms

• While "ẻo ợt" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it describes the quality central to phrases like:
  • Giọng điệu ẻo ợt: an affectedly frail tone of voice.
  • Cử chỉ ẻo ợt: frivolous gestures.