The character 舅舅 is formed through the reduplication of the single character 舅, which itself is a pictophonetic construct. The top component, 臼, acts as a phonetic hint but also carries an archaic association with a mortar, a tool for processing essential grain, symbolizing a foundational, supportive role within the family structure. The bottom component, 男, means "male". Thus, 舅 pictorially represents a key supportive male relation. Doubling it to 舅舅 follows a common pattern in Chinese for denoting intimate kinship terms, softening and familiarizing the address for one's mother's brother, making it less formal and more affectionate.