踏 (tà, 'tread / step') +
袭 (xí, 'inherit / repeat') — 'stepping in the same tracks'. Compare the more common
沿袭 (yánxí, 'follow along, perpetuate') which is neutral, while
踏袭 leans negative — it implies thoughtless imitation. The Japanese loan
踏襲 (とうしゅ tōshū) is a near-cognate that has reinforced this term in modern Chinese.
