The word 跳槽 is formed from the character 跳, meaning "to jump", and 槽, meaning "trough" or "manger". It originates from the literal image of a livestock animal jumping from one feeding trough to another, seeking better forage. This concrete action was metaphorically extended to describe a person leaving one job or employer for another, perceived as better, with 跳 representing the act of moving and 槽 symbolizing the place of employment or position.