The word 榜样 is formed through a vivid conceptual metaphor. The first character, 榜, originally referred to a wooden placard or public notice posted for all to see, carrying the idea of something openly displayed and authoritative. The second character, 样, means a pattern, model, or standard example. Combined, they create the image of a publicly displayed model, a template or example, like a notice on a board, that is meant to be observed and emulated by others. Thus, the word encapsulates the concept of a person or standard so exemplary that it is figuratively "posted up" as the ideal to follow.