luồn cúi
[luən˨˩ kuj˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to maneuver in life with no backbone, i.e. subserviently, servilely, obsequiously, sycophantically
VerbRegister: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Một con người mà cả đời sống luồn cúi đến thế thì sao ngóc đầu lên nổi.How does one even start to try becoming an upstanding man when all they've known in life is to stoop and to bow subserviently?
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “luồn cúi” mean?
(verb) to maneuver in life with no backbone, i.e. subserviently, servilely, obsequiously, sycophantically
Is “luồn cúi” formal or informal?
luồn cúi is generally informal.