ngọng

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "ngọng" can be understood in a few different ways, and it is primarily used in informal contexts. Here’s a breakdown of its meanings and usage:

Basic Meaning:

1. Lisp: The primary meaning of "ngọng" refers to a speech condition where someone has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, often resulting in a lisp. For example, a person might say "th" as "t" or "s" as "z."

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "ngọng" to describe someone who speaks in a way that is not clear due to this speech condition.
• It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is not very clever or who struggles to understand things easily.

Example:

• "Cô ấy nói ngọng." (She speaks with a lisp.)
• "Nó không ngọng đến thế đâu nhé." (He is not so stupid.)

Advanced Usage:

1. Metaphorical Use: In a more figurative sense, "ngọng" can be applied to describe someone as dull or slow-witted. You might hear it in casual conversations when referring to someone's lack of intelligence.
2. In Jokes or Teasing: Friends might use "ngọng" jokingly to tease each other about their understanding of a topic.

Word Variants:

• "Ngọng ngịu": This is a colloquial expression that can intensify the meaning, referring more to clumsiness in speaking or behavior.
• "Ngọng nghịu": This is another variant that emphasizes a more exaggerated form of speech difficulty.

Different Meanings:

• While "ngọng" primarily refers to speech difficulties, it can also imply a lack of sharpness in understanding or intelligence in a more general sense.

Synonyms:

• Dốt: This means "ignorant" or "stupid."
• Ngốc: This translates to "foolish" or "silly."

Academic

1. Lisp.
2. (khẩu ngữ) Be stupid, be dull
   • Nó không ngọng đến thế đâu nhé
     He is not so stupid