The term 鬼鬼祟祟 is formed through the reduplication of the two-character adjective 鬼祟 (guǐsuì), which means "sneaky" or "furtive". This AABB reduplication pattern intensifies the original meaning, emphasizing a repeated, persistent, and suspiciously secretive manner of behavior. Etymologically, 鬼 (guǐ) means "ghost" or "demon", evoking something shadowy and unseen, while 祟 (suì) refers to an evil spirit or sinister influence that acts in secret. Thus, the compound vividly portrays someone or something behaving with the hidden, skulking, and untrustworthy characteristics of a lurking ghost, implying actions done in a shifty, covert, and dishonest way.