đu càng
verbadjective
Hanoi [ʔɗu˧˧ kaːŋ˨˩]Huế [ʔɗʊw˧˧ kaːŋ˦˩]Saigon [ʔɗʊw˧˧ kaːŋ˨˩] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
Meanings of đu càng in English
Verb
- derogatory, figurative to collaborate treasonously with the opposing forces
Adjective
- derogatory, figurative of refugees who emigrated from Vietnam during and after the Vietnam War
Etymology
đu (“to swing”) + càng (“‘shaft’ → ‘landing skid (of a helicopter)’”). Meaning literally, “to swing on a helicopter's landing skid”, this phrase invokes images of the Vietnam War — of those South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians who tried to evacuate during the Fall of Saigon by "swinging" on the "landing skids" of retreating American helicopters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce đu càng?
IPA: Hanoi [ʔɗu˧˧ kaːŋ˨˩]; Saigon [ʔɗʊw˧˧ kaːŋ˨˩]. Tones: đu — level tone (ngang), càng — falling tone (huyền).