The word **卖弄** is a compound formed by combining two characters: **卖** (mài), meaning "to sell" or "to show off for sale," and **弄** (nòng), meaning "to play with," "to fiddle with," or "to engage in." When juxtaposed, their literal senses metaphorically evolve to mean "to show off" or "to flaunt," implying a deliberate and often ostentatious display of one's skills, knowledge, or possessions, much like a vendor theatrically presenting wares to attract attention. This pejorative term thus captures the act of parading one's abilities in a manner perceived as boastful or unnecessarily exhibitionistic.