The Chinese word **口号** (*kǒuhào*, meaning "slogan" or "catchphrase") is a compound word formed through semantic combination. The first character, **口** (*kǒu*), means "mouth," referring to speech and vocalization. The second character, **号** (*hào*), in this context means "to shout" or "a call." Literally combined, they convey the idea of a "shouted command" or "oral call." Historically, this term originated in military contexts for shouted passwords or rallying cries, which evolved figuratively into its modern meaning of a concise, rhythmic phrase designed to be spoken aloud to unite a group, propagate an idea, or promote a product.