大模大样

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: dà mú dà yàng
• English Translation: In an ostentatious manner (putting on airs)
• Idiom Composition: 「大」（Large or exaggerated）＋「模」（Appearance or manner (pronounced 'mú' here)）＋「大」（Large or exaggerated）＋「样」（Style or attitude）
• Meaning: To act in a self-important, unconcerned, or ostentatious way without regard for others. It often carries a negative or critical nuance, suggesting arrogance, shamelessness, or a lack of manners.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「大模大样」 contains the following nuances:

• Exaggerated Presence: The characters 模 (mú) and 样 (yàng) both refer to appearance or manner. By doubling the character 大 (dà), the idiom emphasizes a physically or socially 'large' presence that is meant to be noticed.
• Audacity and Boldness: It often refers to 'thick-skinned' behavior—acting boldly in situations where a normal person would feel embarrassed or try to remain inconspicuous.
• Pronunciation Note: In standard Mandarin, 模 is usually pronounced 'mó'. However, in this idiom and the word 模样 (mú yàng), it is pronounced 'mú'. This is a colloquial survival that has become the standard for these specific terms.

3. Usage

「大模大样」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Arrogance and Condescension: Used to criticize someone for acting superior or looking down on others.
  • Example:「那个新来的主管大模大样地坐在那里，对员工指手画脚。」
    （The new supervisor sat there putting on airs, bossing the employees around.）
• Shamelessness or Disregard for Rules: Describes acting boldly or unconcernedly in a situation where one should be modest or apologetic.
  • Example:「虽然迟到了半小时，但他还是大模大样地走进了会议室。」
    （Despite being half an hour late, he walked into the meeting room as if he owned the place.）
• Humorous Personification of Animals: Used to describe animals acting boldly or without fear of humans, often with a touch of affection or humor.
  • Example:「一只流浪猫大模大样地走进屋里，跳上了沙发。」
    （A stray cat walked into the room with a swagger and jumped onto the sofa.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他不排队，大模大样地插到了最前面。
   （He didn't queue up and shamelessly cut to the very front.）
2. 小偷竟然大模大样地从正门走了出去，没人敢拦。
   （The thief actually walked out the front door with total composure, and no one dared to stop him.）
3. 看他那大模大样的架势，不知道的人还以为他是老板呢。
   （Look at his arrogant posture; those who don't know him would think he's the boss.）
4. 几只鸭子大模大样地穿过马路，所有的车都停下来让路。
   （A few ducks crossed the road unhurriedly, and all the cars stopped to give way.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom is classified as a 贬义词 (biǎnyìcí), or derogatory term. Using it to describe yourself or a superior would be considered highly inappropriate or insulting.
• Visually, 大模大样 (dà mú dà yàng) evokes the image of someone walking with their chest out, chin up, and taking wide, heavy strides to occupy as much space as possible.
• While usually negative, when applied to children or pets, it shifts toward a nuance of 'acting like a little adult' or being 'amusingly bold.'

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 大摇大摆 (dà yáo dà bǎi): To strut or swagger. While similar to 大模大样 (dà mú dà yàng), this focuses more on the physical swaying motion of an arrogant walk.
  • 旁若无人 (páng ruò wú rén): Acting as if there were no one else around. It can mean arrogance, but can also describe someone being extremely focused or self-absorbed.
  • 目中无人 (mù zhōng wú rén): To be so arrogant as to disregard everyone else.link
  • 盛气凌人 (shèng qì líng rén): To be arrogant and overbearing towards others.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 蹑手蹑脚 (niè shǒu niè jiǎo): To walk on tiptoe or move stealthily to avoid being noticed; the opposite of being ostentatious.
  • 唯唯诺诺 (wěi wěi nuò nuò): To be a 'yes-man' or to be subservient and timid, lacking the boldness of 大模大样 (dà mú dà yàng).
  • 小心翼翼 (xiǎo xīn yì yì): To be very careful and cautious.link
  • 彬彬有礼 (bīn bīn yǒu lǐ): Refined and courteous.link

6. Summary

The idiom 大模大样 (dà mú dà yàng) describes someone who deliberately acts in a grand or haughty manner to show off or ignore social norms. While it is primarily used as a pejorative to criticize people who are arrogant or disrespectful, it can occasionally be used humorously to describe the 'bold' behavior of animals or children. Note that the character 模 is pronounced as 'mú' in this specific phrase.