gầm gừ

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The Vietnamese word "gầm gừ" refers to a low, growling sound that animals, particularly dogs, make, especially when they are agitated or ready to fight. It conveys a sense of aggression or tension.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "gầm gừ" to describe situations where animals are growling or when people are in a confrontational mood, much like saying someone is "bristling" or "on edge."

Example:

• Hai thằng bé gầm gừ nhau suốt ngày. (The two little boys faced each other with their hackles up the whole day.) This sentence illustrates how the two boys were constantly in a tense standoff, similar to how dogs might growl at each other.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "gầm gừ" can be used metaphorically to describe people who are in conflict or who are feeling defensive. For instance, you might say: - Khi nghe ý kiến trái chiều, anh ấy gầm gừ như một con chó.
(When he heard opposing opinions, he bristled like a dog.)
This shows how the person reacted aggressively to criticism.

Word Variants:

• Gầm: This can mean to rumble or roar, and is often used with other words to describe loud noises.
• Gừ: This can refer to a growl or a deep, guttural sound.

Different Meanings:

While "gầm gừ" primarily refers to the growling sound, it can also imply a general feeling of aggression or hostility in humans.

Synonyms:

• Gầm: To rumble, roar, or make a loud noise (often used for other contexts).
• Gừ: To growl, often related more specifically to the sound made by animals.

Academic

1. Snort (of dogs about to fight).
2. (thông tục) have one's hackles up
   • Hai thằng bé gầm gừ nhau suốt ngày
     The two little boys faced each other with their hackles up the whole day