kẻ cả

[kɛ˧˩ kaː˧˩]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(noun) an elder; senior

Connotation: offensive or derogatory to many

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(noun) a big shot; VIP; boss

Connotation: offensive or derogatory to many

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(noun) a condescending person; self-important person

Connotation: offensive or derogatory to many

Sense 4

Meaning · English

(adjective) condescending; self-important

Connotation: offensive or derogatory to many

Examples

lên giọng kẻ cảto raise a condescending voice

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “kẻ cả” mean?

(noun) an elder; senior

Is “kẻ cả” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.