chày cối

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The Vietnamese term "chày cối" is an informal expression that means to argue or reason in a way that seems absurd, stubborn, or overly detailed. It often describes someone who insists on their point of view, even when it doesn't make much sense or when the argument is trivial.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "chày cối" in conversations when you want to describe someone who is being overly stubborn or pedantic about a topic. It’s often used in a light-hearted or humorous context, but it can also imply frustration.

Example:

• Context: Two friends are discussing the best way to cook rice.
• Friend 1: "I think rinsing the rice three times is enough."
• Friend 2: "No, you must rinse it five times for the best texture!"
• Comment: "Stop chày cối! It’s just rice!"

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "chày cối" can be used to critique someone in a debate or discussion who is fixated on minor details instead of addressing the main point. It can also apply to legal or academic arguments that seem unnecessarily complicated or pedantic.

Word Variants:

• Chày cối can be used in different tenses or forms depending on the context, such as "chày cối hóa" (to become stubborn in reasoning) or "chày cối quá" (too stubborn in reasoning).

Different Meanings:

While "chày cối" primarily refers to stubborn reasoning, it can also imply a sense of futility, suggesting that the argument is going in circles without reaching a conclusion.

Synonyms:

• Lí sự cùn: This means to argue stubbornly or to insist on a point without much basis.
• Cãi cọ: This translates to quarreling or bickering, often over trivial matters.

Academic

1. (thông tục) To reason absurdly and obstinately, to quibble