The word "摆阔" is formed by combining the character "摆", which means to display or show off, with "阔", which means wealthy or extravagant. This creates a compound verb where the action of displaying is directly applied to the state of wealth, resulting in the meaning "to show off one's wealth" or "to flaunt affluence". The formation is literal, with "摆" acting upon "阔" to convey the act of ostentatious demonstration.