The word "颐指气使" is formed by combining two parallel actions: "颐指" meaning "to point with the chin", where "颐" refers to the cheek or chin and "指" means to point, and "气使" meaning "to command with breath or tone", where "气" denotes breath or air and "使" means to order; together, they describe a person issuing orders in a haughty manner using facial gestures and vocal tone without direct speech.