chunky
UK[ˈtʃʌŋki]US[ˈtʃʌŋki]
adj
containing or consisting of small, thick pieces
adj
short and heavy or solid in build
Morpheme Breakdown
chunk
y
chunk
lump
y
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'chunky' is a relatively modern english formation, emerging in the early 19th century. its core, 'chunk,' is of uncertain origin but is thought to be a variant or alteration of 'chuck,' referring to a cut of meat or a log, thus carrying the inherent sense of a solid, thick piece. the productive adjectival suffix '-y,' with ancient indo-european roots, is appended to mean "having the quality of" or "abounding in." therefore, the literal construction "full of chunks" logically evolved to describe both physical objects containing thick pieces and, by metaphorical extension, a stocky, solid body shape.
Analysis
Structure: chunk (lump) + y (adjective suffix)
- chunk: origin likely from northern english dialect or an alteration of 'chuck' (a cut of meat). functions as the core root denoting a lump or thick piece.
- y: a native english suffix (from old english -ig, proto-germanic -īgaz, proto-indo-european -kos) used to form adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "full of."
Examples
she prefers chunky peanut butter over the smooth variety.
he was a chunky toddler with rosy cheeks.
the sweater was knitted in a chunky, warm wool.