The idiom 胡言乱语 (hú yán luàn yǔ) is formed through a parallel and reinforcing four-character structure common in Chinese, where 胡 (reckless) modifies 言 (speech) and 乱 (chaotic) modifies 语 (language). The two halves of the idiom are nearly synonymous, with 胡言 and 乱语 both meaning "irresponsible or nonsensical talk". This deliberate doubling of meaning through paired adjectives and nouns creates a powerful, rhythmic expression that intensifies the overall concept of speaking wildly, incoherently, or without basis.