The word "踢踏舞" (tītàwǔ) is a transparent compound noun formed by combining three distinct characters: "踢" (tī) meaning "to kick", "踏" (tà) meaning "to step or stamp", and "舞" (wǔ) meaning "dance". It is a descriptive term that literally translates to "kick-step dance", directly naming and defining the dance style (tap dance) by its most characteristic percussive footwork movements, where the dancer's shoes strike the floor to create rhythmic sounds.