The word 讽刺 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create a unified concept. The first character, 讽 (fěng), carries the core idea of indirect expression, criticism, or admonishment, often through implied or veiled language. The second character, 刺 (cì), means "to prick" or "to stab", injecting the sense of sharpness, pointedness, and painful penetration. Together, they metaphorically create the notion of "pricking with indirect criticism", perfectly encapsulating the act of satire, irony, or sarcasm, where a pointed critique is delivered not directly, but through clever, often biting, indirect expression.