The word "叫鸡" is formed by combining the character "叫", which functions as a verb meaning "to call" or "to shout", with the character "鸡", a noun meaning "chicken", resulting in a verb-object compound that literally translates to "call chicken". This construction directly links the action to the object, typically indicating an act related to chicken, such as summoning it or, in specific contexts, referring to a dish like beggar's chicken where the name implies preparation method.