ลูบคม
affront and provoke
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 affront and provoke、show contempt for someone's authority
Describes affronting or provoking someone by treating their ability or authority with contempt.
affront and provoke、show contempt for someone's authority
Means to insult or provoke someone through conduct that shows contempt for their power, ability, or authority.
Learning notes
Explanation
ลูบ means “to stroke,” while คม refers to a sharp edge or blade. Literally suggesting the act of stroking a sharp blade, the expression is used figuratively for boldly affronting someone despite the risk of retaliation. It usually emphasizes provocative conduct that displays contempt for another person's power, ability, or prestige, rather than a private negative opinion or an ordinary verbal insult.
Usage
It commonly appears in crime reporting when an offender's bold actions are seen as a deliberate affront to the police or other authorities. It is also used in confrontations involving rivals or powerful figures, including forceful warnings such as อย่ามาลูบคมฉันนะ, “Don't mess with me.”
Caution
This is stronger than merely having a low opinion of someone. Because it implies a provocative affront to someone's prestige or authority, it can sound confrontational or overly dramatic in lighthearted situations.
Differences from similar words
1 affront and provoke synonyms
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ดูหมิ่น broadly means to look down on or insult someone. ลูบคม more strongly suggests a provocative act that challenges someone's ability, prestige, or authority.
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ท้าทาย is the general word for challenging someone or something and can be neutral or positive. ลูบคม carries the negative implication of disrespecting or affronting the other party.