About
The character 髡 is a phono-semantic compound with the radical 髟 (biāo, hair) at the top, indicating its semantic category related to hair, and the component 元 (wù) below, which provides the phonetic element. Historically, it specifically referred to an ancient punishment involving the forced shaving of the head. In traditional Chinese culture, where preserving one's hair was closely tied to filial piety, this act served as a humiliating penalty rather than a mere cosmetic change. Over time, the meaning broadened to describe the general state of baldness or shaven hair, and is occasionally extended to depict trees or landscapes stripped of their foliage.
Etymology Hide
