About
The character 蟊 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 虫 (insect) at the bottom categorizes it within the domain of insects and crawling creatures. The upper portion, containing 矛 (spear) alongside 攴, serves as the phonetic component. Originally, 蟊 referred to a specific agricultural pest, an insect that consumes crop roots and severely damages yields. Due to its destructive nature, the meaning metaphorically extended to denote individuals who undermine society or cause internal harm to a state or organization. This abstract sense is most commonly encountered today in compounds describing traitors, saboteurs, or thieves who harm the collective from within.
Etymology Hide
