The word "婆婆妈妈" is formed by directly combining the two kinship terms "婆婆" (pópo, meaning grandmother or mother-in-law) and "妈妈" (māma, meaning mother). Each part retains its literal reference to maternal figures, but when joined, they create a single expressive idiom that denotes behavior perceived as overly fussy, sentimental, or nagging, drawing on stereotypical traits associated with these roles. The duplication of similar concepts reinforces the emphasis on these characteristics, resulting in a figurative meaning distinct from the sum of its parts.