The word 敲诈 is formed by combining two characters to create a vivid, metaphorical meaning. The first character, 敲, originally depicts the action of striking or knocking (a hand holding a rod hitting something). The second, 诈, relates to deception or cheating (speech/words combined with a component suggesting borrowing or falsity). Together, they construct the concept of "extortion" through the powerful image of striking someone (verbally or with threats) in order to swindle them, metaphorically beating a profit out of a victim through intimidation and deceit.