About
The character 绔 is a phono-semantic compound meaning trousers or lower-body garments, derived from the traditional forms 絝 and 褈. Its left component is the silk radical 纟 (simplified from 糸), indicating a connection to textiles and clothing material. The right side provides the phonetic element 夸 (kuā), which contributes to the pronunciation. Historically, the term specifically referred to loose trousers or leggings worn by the upper classes, and later became associated with the derogatory compound 纨绔 (wánkù, "silk trousers"), describing wealthy but idle and frivolous youths. The structure clearly combines material and sound to define the garment.
Etymology Hide
