The word 滑稽 is formed through a vivid conceptual blend where 滑 (huá), meaning "slippery" or "glib", combines with 稽 (jī), which in this context relates to speech or discourse. Historically, it described a rhetorical style of fluid, twisting speech used in ancient debates and performances, akin to smooth-talking or witty banter that could artfully dodge and weave through topics. Over time, this concrete idea of linguistic dexterity and unpredictability evolved metaphorically to encapsulate the essence of humor that is playful, absurd, and entertainingly nonsensical, much like speech that slips and turns in unexpected, amusing ways.