Signification
Doing a very poor job.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects a cultural obsession with 'tỉ mỉ' (meticulousness). Doing things 'như mèo mửa' is seen as a sign of a lack of discipline. In the North, this phrase can be particularly sharp and is often used in a more critical, direct way in family settings. Southerners might use 'làm ăn sống nhăn' or 'làm cho có' more frequently, but 'mèo mửa' is still universally understood. Teachers used to use this phrase frequently to shame students with bad handwriting, though modern pedagogy discourages such harsh language.
Don't use with elders
Even if their work is messy, using an animal-vomit idiom is considered a major lack of filial piety.
Self-deprecation
Use it about your own work to sound humble and native. 'Chữ mình như mèo mửa' is a great way to break the ice.
Signification
Doing a very poor job.
Don't use with elders
Even if their work is messy, using an animal-vomit idiom is considered a major lack of filial piety.
Self-deprecation
Use it about your own work to sound humble and native. 'Chữ mình như mèo mửa' is a great way to break the ice.
Visual context
Only use it when there is a physical or visual mess. For abstract mistakes, use 'sai lầm' or 'thiếu sót'.
Teste-toi
Which situation is most appropriate for 'Làm như mèo mửa'?
Bạn thấy em trai vẽ lên tường rất xấu và bẩn. Bạn nói gì?
Option B correctly uses the idiom to criticize the messy and poor quality of the drawing.
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Chữ của cậu viết như ___ mửa, tớ không đọc được.
The standard idiom is 'mèo mửa'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
1. Viết như mèo mửa | 2. Dọn như mèo mửa | 3. Vẽ như mèo mửa
The verb determines the specific context of the mess.
Complete the dialogue with the correct idiom.
A: Sao cái báo cáo này nhiều lỗi thế? B: Xin lỗi, tớ vội quá nên ___.
The context of 'many errors' (nhiều lỗi) implies a sloppy job.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs. Informal Criticism
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBạn thấy em trai vẽ lên tường rất xấu và bẩn. Bạn nói gì?
Option B correctly uses the idiom to criticize the messy and poor quality of the drawing.
Chữ của cậu viết như ___ mửa, tớ không đọc được.
The standard idiom is 'mèo mửa'.
1. Viết như mèo mửa | 2. Dọn như mèo mửa | 3. Vẽ như mèo mửa
The verb determines the specific context of the mess.
A: Sao cái báo cáo này nhiều lỗi thế? B: Xin lỗi, tớ vội quá nên ___.
The context of 'many errors' (nhiều lỗi) implies a sloppy job.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is not a swear word, but it is very informal and can be offensive if used in the wrong context.
Usually, it describes the *work* or the *result*, but you can say 'Nó bày như mèo mửa' to describe a person's messy habits.
Yes, use 'làm việc chưa được cẩn thận' or 'hơi bừa bãi một chút.'
Idioms are fixed. While dogs vomit too, the Vietnamese language settled on cats for this specific imagery centuries ago.
Absolutely not. It will make you sound unprofessional and rude.
No, it applies to writing, drawing, cooking, coding, or any task with a visible result.
Yes, it is understood and used throughout all regions of Vietnam.
The opposite would be 'chỉn chu', 'ngăn nắp', or 'khéo léo.'
People will understand you, but it sounds 'off' and non-native. Stick to 'mèo'.
Only in opinion pieces or satirical columns, never in serious news reporting.
Yes, 'Tóc tai như mèo mửa' is a common way to describe messy, uncombed hair.
It uses the 'hỏi' tone. Imagine your voice going down into a basement and then quickly coming back up to the ground floor.
Expressions liées
Viết như gà bới
synonymWriting like a chicken scratching
Làm cho có
similarDoing just to have it done
Cẩn thận
contrastCareful/Meticulous
Chỉn chu
contrastNeat and tidy
Đầu voi đuôi chuột
builds onElephant head, mouse tail
