The word "宝宝" is formed through the linguistic process of reduplication, specifically the full doubling of the single character "宝" (bǎo), which means "treasure" or "precious". This repetition is not for grammatical tense or plurality, but to create a distinct lexical item with a softened, affectionate, and intimate meaning. The duplicated form transforms the concrete notion of a treasure into a term of tender endearment, most commonly used as a pet name meaning "baby" or "darling", where the doubling itself phonetically and symbolically conveys smallness, closeness, and emotional warmth.