The word 扯淡 is formed through a vivid metaphorical combination: 扯 means "to pull" or "to tear", suggesting the act of stretching or dragging out, while 淡 means "bland" or "insipid", evoking something weak, pointless, or without substance. When fused, they create the powerful image of "pulling apart something bland", visually capturing the core idea of engaging in empty, frivolous, or nonsensical talk, essentially stretching meaningless chatter out of thin air.