The word "老公" (lǎogōng), meaning "husband", is formed through a straightforward cultural and semantic combination. The character "老" (lǎo), which literally means "old", is used here not for age but as a familiar, affectionate, and sometimes respectful prefix, similar to its use in terms like "老师" (teacher). It is paired with "公" (gōng), a character with ancient roots meaning "male" or "public authority", but which in this context evolved in colloquial usage to signify the male head of a household or a male partner. Together, they create a term that literally hints at "old male" but functionally conveys an enduring, familiar, and endearing reference to one's husband.