This article examines bahuvrihis, a specific type of attribute compound word, in English and Uzbek and examines their formation, semantics and classification through a comparative lens. Based on cognitive linguistics and construction grammar, the study examines how these compounds are constructed, focusing on their figurative and metonymic meanings, and the inherent ambiguities in distinguishing them from other word combinations, especially in Uzbek. A central argument is the lack of clear and consistent criteria for bahuvrihi classification in Uzbek lexicography, exemplified by the inconsistent treatment of forms like “ogʻiroyoq” (heavy foot/pregnant) in the “Oʻzbek tilining izohli lugʻati”. This article analyzes diverse perspectives on compound word formation in both languages, highlighting the descriptive function of bahuvrihis in characterizing human attributes, appearance, and personality, often with cultural or social connotations. In addition, the article takes into account orthographic and phonetic variations in the treatment of compound words between the two languages. By exploring the etymology and unique characteristics of bahuvrihis, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Uzbek lexicology and underscores the need for further research using corpus analysis and psycholinguistic methods to establish more precise definitions and classification rules for Uzbek compound words, an area that requires further development compared to its English counterpart. Numerous examples from both languages illustrate the analysis.