Definition
摇头晃脑 is a four-character idiom that vividly describes someone nodding and swaying their head in a self-satisfied or smug manner, often while reciting poetry, listening to music, or showing off their knowledge. The literal meaning is 'shake head, sway brain,' but the figurative sense conveys a smug, complacent attitude. It is not a strong insult but a playful observation of someone's self-importance.
f.e.
to nod and shake one's head smuglya self-satisfied demeanor
Examples
- 摇头晃脑，。Tā bèi shī de shíhou zǒng ài yáo tóu huǎng, yí fù déyì de yàngzi.When reciting poetry, he always likes to nod and shake his head smugly, looking very pleased with himself.
- ，摇头晃脑，。Lǎobǎn tīng le tā nàge bú tài gāomíng de diǎnzi, zhǐshì yáo tóu huǎng xiào le xiào, shénme yě méi shuō.The boss heard his not-so-brilliant idea and just nodded and shook his head with a smug smile, without saying anything.
- ，摇头晃脑。Jiǔ guò bàn xún, zhè wèi lǎo xiānsheng yòu kāishǐ yáo tóu huǎng de jiǎng qǐ zìjǐ de guānghuī lìshǐ.Halfway through the drinks, this old gentleman started nodding and shaking his head smugly as he recounted his glorious past.
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