nói lái
[nɔj˧˦ laːj˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to switch the rhymes (or also tones) of the syllables of a disyllabic word, or two syllables of a tetrasyllabic set phrase, in a fashion similar to the use of spoonerism in English or contrepèterie in French
Verb
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 ↗
Common questions
What does “nói lái” mean?
(verb) to switch the rhymes (or also tones) of the syllables of a disyllabic word, or two syllables of a tetrasyllabic set phrase, in a fashion similar to the use of spoonerism in English or contrepèterie in French
Is “nói lái” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.