โขกสับ

Explanation

โขกสับ is much stronger and more negative than an ordinary verb meaning “to scold.” It primarily describes attacking someone with harsh words, but it can also extend to repeatedly bullying or mistreating them. The components โขก (“pound” or “knock”) and สับ (“chop”) create a vivid image of thoroughly wearing someone down. In normal use, however, the compound is figurative rather than a description of physical pounding or chopping. It also commonly appears in the passive construction ถูกโขกสับ, meaning “to be severely berated” or “to be bullied.”

Usage

It is often used to condemn repeated harsh treatment within an unequal relationship—for example, a domineering boss constantly berating an employee or an employer bullying a domestic worker. It can also appear in descriptions of mistreatment within a family, in stories, or in news commentary.

Caution

This is too strong for an ordinary warning or a single mild scolding. Use ดุ for general scolding and ตักเตือน for warning or admonishing. โขกสับ carries an accusation of cruel, relentless, or bullying behavior, so it is unsuitable for light situations.

1 berate synonyms

• กดขี่

  kòt khìi oppress

  กดขี่ focuses on oppression through power or authority. โขกสับ more readily evokes harsh scolding, relentless criticism, and personal bullying.

• ข่มเหงรังแก

  ข่มเหงรังแก broadly means to bully or mistreat someone weaker. โขกสับ places more emphasis on repeatedly attacking or wearing the person down with harsh words.

• ดุ

  dù scold

  ดุ is the ordinary verb for scolding and can describe corrective discipline. โขกสับ is much stronger, suggesting merciless or repeated verbal mistreatment.