phỉ phong

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The Vietnamese word "phỉ phong" is a literary or old-fashioned term that refers to a state of "shabby gentility." This means a situation where someone tries to maintain an appearance of respectability or sophistication, but in reality, their circumstances are much less dignified or are in decline.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: "Phỉ phong" is often used in literary contexts, discussions about social status, or when describing characters in stories who try to uphold a facade of wealth or respectability despite their actual situation.
• Tone: The term carries a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting pretentiousness or a lack of authenticity.

Example:

• In a sentence: "Mặc dù gia đình anh ta không còn giàu có như trước, nhưng anh vẫn giữ phỉ phong, mặc những bộ quần áo đắt tiền."
  • (Translation: "Although his family is no longer wealthy, he still maintains a shabby gentility, wearing expensive clothes.")

Advanced Usage:

In literature, "phỉ phong" can be used to analyze characters who display this kind of behavior, especially in classic Vietnamese novels or poetry. It can also be used in social commentary to critique people who pretend to be of a higher social status than they truly are.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "phỉ phong," but you might encounter related terms that deal with social status or appearance.

Different Meanings:

While "phỉ phong" specifically refers to the idea of shabby gentility, it can also imply the broader concept of "keeping up appearances" in different contexts.

Synonyms:

• "Giả tạo" (pretentious)
• "Thượng lưu giả" (pretend upper class)
• "Văn chương" (literary elegance, though this is more neutral)

Summary:

In summary, "phỉ phong" is a nuanced term that describes a facade of respectability that is often at odds with reality.

Academic

1. (từ cũ, văn chương) Shabby gentility