ทรามเชย
beautiful beloved woman [old-fashioned, literary]
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- 1 beautiful beloved woman [old-fashioned, literary]
An old-fashioned literary term for a beautiful, lovable woman, especially one cherished by the speaker.
beautiful beloved woman [old-fashioned, literary]
A poetic noun used to praise or address a beautiful woman whom the speaker loves or cherishes.
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โอ้แม่ทรามเชยของพี่ ôo mɛ̂ɛ saamchəəy khɔ̌ɔŋ phîi Oh, my darling. โอ้แม่ทรามเชยของพี่ details
Learning notes
Explanation
ทรามเชย is a traditional term of admiration for a woman's beauty and loveliness. It often appears as แม่ทรามเชย in older poetry and songs, where a man addresses a woman he loves. Here, แม่ is an old-fashioned form of address for a woman, not “mother.” In modern Thai, ทราม can mean “vulgar” or “base,” while เชย can mean “old-fashioned” or “uncool.” Those meanings do not apply separately inside this established expression; ทรามเชย is complimentary as a whole.
Usage
This term is mainly encountered in classical literature, poetry, traditional or old-style romantic songs, and period dialogue. In contemporary speech, it is used only when someone deliberately wants a poetic, romantic, or theatrical effect.
Caution
In ordinary modern conversation, using this as a direct compliment can sound theatrical or humorous. คนสวย is the natural everyday choice for calling someone a beautiful woman.
Differences from similar words
1 beautiful beloved woman [old-fashioned, literary] synonyms
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คนรัก is the common, gender-neutral word for a romantic partner or loved one. ทรามเชย specifically portrays a woman as beautiful and lovable and belongs to literary language.