20+ MUST-KNOW VIETNAMESE SLANG WORDS – SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

In daily conversation, Vietnamese people frequently use slang words to talk about their feelings, objects and events. Being able to use Vietnamese slangs  help you speak like a native and make an impression on others. How about you try it and see how Vietnamese  are surprised with  a foreigner using slang words.

In the article below, Jellyfish will reveal 10 slang words that every Vietnamese uses and 11 slang words of Vietnamese genZ, helping you to talk very Kool!

1.10 Most common Vietnamese slang words used by all Vietnamese

Here are 10 Vietnamese slang words Vietnamese use.You surely are “cool” in the eyes of native speakers if you know the following words:

1.1. Ối dồi ôi (Oh my god)

Vietnamese people frequently use this to express bewilderment, surprise, etc

  • The phrase “ối dồi ôi” is understood as “Oh my god!” in English.
  • Use when the speaker is panicked or surprised

Example: For example, while visiting an amusement park, a dummy unexpectedly fell out. At that point you might startle and say “Ối dồi ôi!”.

1.2. Bó tay (Give up) – Funny Vietnamese slang word

When we find ourselves in an awkward situation and cannot solve the problem, Vietnamese come up with this funny and interesting phrase “Give up.”

  • “Bó tay” refers to the inability to do something.
  • Used in an interesting and humorous way in communication between acquaintances and friends.

Example: 

  • When you have tried your best to think about a problem but cannot come up with the best solution: “Bó tay!”
  • “Tiếng Việt khó quá, tôi bó tay!” (Vietnamese is too difficult, I give up!)

1.3. Biết chết liền (Hell if I know)

“Biết chết liền” is used when the speaker is lack of information or is unaware of the subject being discussed. Simply  being understood as “I don’t know”.

  • Widely used as a daily response by Vietnamese people. 
  • It’s only for conversations between close friends.

Example: When asked about someone you’ve never met:

  • Your friend: Anh biết cô ấy không? (Do you know her?)
  • You: Biết chết liền! (Hell if I know!)

1.4. Sao phải xoắn – Interesting Vietnamese slang word

This phrase is used by numerous people and is listed in the Vietnamese slang dictionary.

  • “Xoắn” is often understood as an attitude of losing temper, making things even more confusing.
  • “Sao phải” can simply be understood as “don’t” in English.

“Sao phải xoắn” means to advise others to calm down, no hassle or to be afraid or confused.

1.5. Toang – It’s done

“Toang” is one of Vietnamese slang words often used as a joke in  daily conversation amongst friends or close colleagues.

vietnamese slang words - Toang

  • “Toang” refers to the failure of something or when your plan does not work out as expected. “Toang” is presented in a familiar line in the clip of the 1977 Vlog group that has been making a trend on social networks: “Toang rồi ông giáo ạ!”

For example: 

  • When you fail a subject and have to pay the tuition fee again: Toang! One word says it all. 
  • “Vượt đèn đỏ mà gặp ngay công an, toang rồi!” (Passing a red light and immediately meeting the police, it’s done !)

1.6. Chảnh – Haughty

In Vietnamese slangs, the word “chảnh” is an adjective frequently being used to identify someone who is:

  • “chảnh” – an adjective to describe those who are arrogant, unfriendly, and unsociable.
  • Using to judge someone by their appearance.

For example:

Making friends firstly but the other person doesn’t respond, you can say that person is “Haughty”: “Cô ấy Chảnh quá!” (She is Haughty!)

1.7. Trẻ trâu (A Thoughtless Person) – Funny vietnamese word

“Trẻ trâu” is used for the purpose of describing people who are childish, unruly, impulsive, hasty, and immature.

Using this word in a witty, humorous way can be sarcastic, often  being used between close friends.

Example: When you are 29 years old but still like teddy bears, your friends tease you “Trẻ trâu”.

1.8. Chém gió (Shoot the breeze)

“Chém gió” is understood in many ways, often tends to fabricate or exaggerate a part of the story.

Example: Going for lemon tea, you tell your friends about a story you went to a mountain and met a tiger (which is very unlikely) your friends told you that you were “Chém gió”.

1.9 Trăm phần trăm – 100% (Bottoms up)

This phrase is often used when going out to drink, you clink your cups and shout “Trăm phần trăm!”. This means that you will have to finish your glass in one shot.

This is a humorous saying that many Vietnamese use. Imagine how surprised Vietnamese are when you say this to them.

1.10. Chán như con gián (It’s so Boring)

Obviously cockroach and “boring” are not related, but in Vietnamese, these two words have the same finish pronunciation, so people use this phrase to express boredom. 

vietnamese slang words - Chán như con gián

Note: Because this makes a funny sound when being spoken, so it is often used as a joke .

Example: When B failed the test:

  • A: Làm được bài không? ( How was the test? )
  • B: Chán như con gián! (it’s so boring)

See more:

2. 11 Vietnamese slang words that gen Z often uses

Currently, there are many Vietnamese slang words created by gen Z. When using these words in daily talk, it exaggerates the humor of your sentences. 

2.1. Giận tím người – Super angry

“Giận” is “angry”, “tím” is “purple”, “người” is “body” and “giận tím người” means that  person becomes too angry. This is an exciting way of saying, showing that I am very angry but just joking.

vietnamese slang words - giận tím người

For example: “Sút vào gôn nhưng không được ghi nhận bàn thắng, giận tím người!” (Shot on goal but failed to score, super angry!)

2.2. u là trời – Fascinating Vietnamese slang word

One of the many intriguing words used by Gen Z everyday, “u là trời” is explained as follows:

  • Úi trời = uis trời = u is trời = u là trời
  • Synonym of the words “Trời ơi!”, “Ôi trời!”, “Úi trời!”.
  • Adding unexpected nuances, expressing excitement about a specific thing, event, or phenomenon.

Like the current top trending words of young people, “u là trời” is used in some cases as follows:

  • When seeing the salary at the end of the month coming to the account: “U là trời! Lương về, lương về!” (Oh my God! Salary, salary!)
  • Seeing a handsome man in the middle of the road: “U là trời ! Đẹp trai!” (Oh my god! Handsome!)

2.3. Còn cái nịt

Starting with a YouTube comment from a character, genZ quickly updated the dictionary with an exciting word to use everyday.

vietnamese slang words - còn cái nịt

 “Còn cái nịt” is delightfully understood by Gen Z as follows:

  • “nịt” here is an elastic band used to tie hair.
  • “Còn cái nịt” is considered to have lost everything.

Under the unique variation of Gen Z, “còn cái nịt” is also used in many situations:

Students at the end of the month are like: 

  • A: Mày còn tiền không? Cho tao vay? (Do you have money for me to borrow?)
  • B: Còn cái nịt 

2.4. Khum (No)

“Khum” appeared from comments on social media posts and is gradually being used as a slang word on daily communication by Gen Z.

  • “Khum” – another spelling of the word “No”
  • Used to negate questions and statements in a cute, fun direction.

Example:

  • A: Đi chơi không? (Do you want to go out ?)
  • B: Khum

2.5. Ét o ét (SOS)

The source of thes trend “ét o ét” comes from Ms. Toan Vlog’s Tiktok channel. “Ét o ét” is actually:

  • The pronunciation of SOS – Send Our Succor.
  • This one refers to emergency relief, but it was interpreted in a humorous way.
  • Although it means relief, the phrase “ét o ét” is used by Gen Z in cases of: 
  • Knowing that gas prices increased: Ét o ét!
  • Doing nothing but still are F0: Ét o ét!

2.6. Ố dề

Just like “còn cái nịt” and “ét o ét”, “ố dề” has appeared as an Internet trend through a clip on Tiktok. When you read the word “ố dề” quickly, it will have the same pronunciation as the word “Oh yeah!” in English.

In terms of meaning, “ố dề” mainly is an adjective to describe overdone actions and events that are unlike anyone else

Eg: Invite your friends out, but you put on makeup and dress up: “Đi chơi thôi mà, có cần phải ố dề thế không?” (Let’s just go out, do you need to dress up like that?)

2.7. Ủa

In daily communication, “uả” is a word often used to express surprise and skepticism in what we see and hear.

vietnamese slang word - Ủa

For example: When I saw my crush suddenly publicizing her lover on the story: Ủa????

2.8. Gét gô (Let’s go)

“Gét gô” which also comes from Tiktok channels, is one of the top slang words supported and used by Gen Z.

  • “Gét gô” is the pronunciation of the word “Let’s go” in English but is revised as “Gét gô”.
  • It means Let’s go and is used humorously.

With surprising usage, “Gét gô” has almost become the most common slang word today, instead of saying “Let’s go” as before, this has changed to “Gét gô”.

For example: “Thử thách 6 ngày 6 đêm đi ngủ sớm! Gét gô!” (Challenge of 6 days 6 nights to go to bed early! Let’s go!)

2.9. Lemỏn

Looking at the word “lemỏn”, surely you will immediately think of the word “lemon” in English, right? Yes, you are correct.

  • “Lemỏn” is exactly derived from the word “lemon” in English.
  • “Lemon” is a magical combination with the Vietnamese tone to create a new word with a different meaning.
  • “lemon” = “lemon” and when adding a hook above, “lemỏn” = “chảnh”.
  • It is an adjective indicating a person’s arrogance.

Instead of using the word “chảnh” as previously used by other generations, now Gen Z has changed it to “lemỏn”. Although they all have the same meaning, “lemỏn” is still the most preferred by genz.

1.10. GATO – Green-eyed monster

“Gato” gradually became a popular word with many people when saying it in certain conversations. Gato is an abbreviation of the word “jealousy”, meaning the state of being jealous or envious of others.

“Gato” is often used in cases of criticizing others or making fun of your friends:

When you buy a new item that your friend doesn’t have, you can joke to your friend: “Đừng có mà Gato!” (Don’t be jealous!)

1.11. Gấu – Lover

“Bear” is no longer just an animal but has now become a noun used to refer to a lover in a cute way. Young Vietnamese often use this word.

It is also used by young people in extremely humorous moments.

Example:

  • “Sắp đến noel rồi, phải tìm “gấu” thôi” (Christmas is coming soon, we have to find a lover)
  • Annual Valentine season: “Đăng bài tuyển “gấu” 37 độ” (Finding “bear” 37 degrees post)

The above are some popular and interesting slang words in Vietnamese. If you would like to see how surprising this will be to the listeners ? Try this!

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