About
绰 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component, the silk radical 纟, indicates an original connection to textiles, while the right component 出 provides the sound. Initially, it referred to a crimson silk cord used in clothing. Over time, the meaning shifted to denote deficiency or shortage, especially in financial contexts like a budget deficit, likely through phonetic borrowing. The traditional form 絀 uses the radical 糸, whereas the modern simplified form uses 纟.
Etymology Hide
