‘鱼尾’ literally means 'fish tail' — a compound noun formed by combining 鱼 (yú, 'fish') and 尾 (wěi, 'tail'). It refers to the actual tail fin of a fish, an anatomical feature essential for swimming and steering. In biology or aquaculture contexts, it’s used descriptively and technically.

Figuratively, ‘鱼尾’ also names a distinctive pattern resembling overlapping fish tails — often seen in textiles, ceramics, or decorative arts. This visual motif is sometimes called a 'fish-tail pattern' in English design terminology. Unlike the more general term 尾巴 (wěi ba, 'tail'), 鱼尾 is specific to fish anatomy or stylized representations, not used for other animals’ tails. It carries no colloquial or slang connotations and remains neutral in register.