The Vietnamese word "niềng niễng" is often used in informal contexts. It refers to a way of walking or moving that is characterized by a sort of awkward or exaggerated motion, typically with an emphasis on bending or moving the knees outward. It can also imply a playful or exaggerated way of walking, often to mimic someone who is clumsy or has a peculiar gait.
In a more advanced context, "niềng niễng" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is trying to act in a way that is not natural or is overly dramatic in their behavior.
There are no direct variants of the word "niềng niễng," but you might see it used in different contexts or with different adjectives to describe the manner of walking more specifically (e.g., "đi niềng niễng" - walking awkwardly).
While "niềng niễng" primarily refers to a manner of walking, it can also imply a playful or silly behavior in general. It may not be used to describe serious situations.