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獍 (jìng) is a phono-semantic compound: the left side 犭 (quǎn) is a radical that typically designates an animal or beast, and the right side 竟 (jìng) marks the pronunciation. The character originally refers to a mythical creature recorded in classical Chinese folklore and historical writings. This beast was said to be born with a savage instinct to devour its own mother immediately after birth, a trait so monstrous that 獍 became a literary byword for extreme filial impiety, ingratitude, and viciousness. It is frequently paired with other mythical beasts to epitomize absolute depravity.
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