ngu như bò

/[ŋu˧˥ ɲɯ˧˧ bɔ˨˩]/intelligence, animal, insult

What does ngu như bò mean? ngu như bò is a Vietnamese moderate that translates to “dumb as an ox / stupid as a cow” in English.

stupid like cow

01

"dumb as an ox / stupid as a cow"

The standard Vietnamese simile for stupidity. Cows in Vietnam are draft animals — strong, slow, and incapable of independent thought. Being compared to one means you have the mental agility of something that chews cud and stares blankly.

A teacher exasperated with a student: 'Giải hoài không ra, ngu như bò!' (Can't solve it no matter what, stupid as a cow!)