ABB-pattern adjective: 干 + reduplicated 巴巴. Like 黑乎乎 (hēihūhū, pitch-black), 圆滚滚 (yuángǔngǔn, round), this pattern adds a vivid sensory feel. Always followed by 的 when modifying or used predicatively: 干巴巴的馒头 / 馒头干巴巴的.
usage
Two senses run in parallel: physical (dry, shriveled food / lips / skin) and figurative (boring, lifeless speech / writing / atmosphere). Both are colloquial and vivid.
