từ tục tĩu
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Vietnamese as từ tục tĩu.
In Vietnamese culture, some specific examples of highly aggressive or strong profanity include the sexual profanity Địt or insults directed at someone's family, such as Mẹ mày or Cụ mày, which translate to "your mother" and are used to insult someone aggressively.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of từ, meaning "word" and tục tĩu, meaning "vulgar" or "obscene".
Which one should you use?
từ tục tĩu carries a stronger, more formal connotation of obscenity or indecency. In contrast, the phrase từ ngữ bậy bạ is a more general, colloquial way to refer to bad words or profanity in daily conversation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
từ ngữ bậy bạ is a more common, colloquial way to refer to bad words or profanity in daily conversation.
Did you know?
- While English 'bad words' often focus on anatomy or sex, some of the most offensive Vietnamese 'bad words' are simply the names of family members. Using a term like mẹ or cụ in the wrong context transforms a respectful kinship term into a severe insult.
- The word tục in từ tục tĩu shares its root with the word for 'custom' or 'tradition', tục, meaning that vulgarity is historically viewed as a perversion of established social norms.
- Using the phrase từ ngữ bậy bạ can sometimes sound much more 'childish' than intended, as it is the typical way parents warn children about improper language.
Examples in context
- Đừng dùng từ tục tĩu ở đây.Don't use bad words here.
- Anh ấy vừa mới nói mấy từ tục tĩu.He just said some bad words.
- Tôi không thích nghe những từ tục tĩu.I don't like hearing bad words.
Example conversation
Nam and Hương are discussing a movie they watched.
- NamBộ phim này có nhiều từ tục tĩu quá.This movie has too many bad words.
- HươngĐúng vậy, em cũng thấy khó chịu.True, I also found it uncomfortable.
- NamAnh nghĩ là nó không phù hợp với trẻ em.I think it is not suitable for children.
- HươngEm đồng ý với anh.I agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tục, từ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
