Vietnam

alternative Viet-Nam · alternative Viet Nam

1. A country in Southeast Asia. Official name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Capital: Hanoi.

   But as in the case of Japan, the results of self-dealing corruption largely remain in the country rather than escaping to Swiss bank accounts as often happened with the style of 1950s era corruption seen in Vietnam or the Philippines.

   2011 August 1, Steve Clemons, “China's Internal Pluralism Is Nothing to Cheer About”, in The Atlantic, archived from the original on 11 Apr 2021

   Synonyms: Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nam

2. UScolloquialThe Vietnam War.

   David Rabe's anti-Viet Nam play Streamers

   1983 December 31, Michael Bronski, “A Sharply Focused Film”, in Gay Community News, volume 11, number 24, page 16

   Synonyms: Nam

plural Vietnams · alternative Viet-Nam · alternative Viet Nam

1. A long and protracted war or conflict in which the dominating foreign occupier is unable to secure a victory.

   another Vietnam

   2 more examples

   the Soviet Union's Vietnam (the 1979–89 occupation of Afghanistan)

   France's Vietnam (the Algerian War or First Indochina War)

2. USslangA place that is very dangerous, especially if afflicted by violence.

   Welcome back to Vietnam, California.

   1992, “187um (Deep Cover Remix)”, in Deep Cover, performed by Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg

   1 more example

   Vietnam, California, back in and on a mission.

   1992, “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat”, in The Chronic, performed by Dr. Dre, Death Row Records

3. USbroadlyslangA situation in which one cannot win.

   Judy is the great deceiver / Judy is your Viet Nam

   2011, “Judy is your Viet Nam”, performed by They Might Be Giants

   1 more example

   Everyone was miserable, including Coppola. "It was my Vietnam," he moaned a few months later.

   1989, Michael Goodwin, Naomi Wise, On the Edge: The Life and Times of Francis Coppola, page 195