Definitions

dirty; small-minded

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 齿 represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: 齿 Phonetic:

About

is the simplified form of , a phono-semantic compound. The semantic radical 齿 (teeth) hints at the original meaning of grinding or close-set teeth, while supplies the pronunciation. Over time, the character's meaning shifted from its literal dental origin to describe physical dirtiness, squalor, or unkemptness, and by extension, a petty, narrow-minded, or foul character. It is almost always found in the fixed binome for grimy conditions or contemptible personal character.