gooey

the word 'gooey' is a modern english formation, first attested in the early 20th century. it is derived from the noun 'goo', an informal american english term of uncertain but likely imitative origin, perhaps suggesting a sticky, viscous substance. the suffix '-ey' (a variant of '-y') is added to form an adjective, meaning 'having the qualities of' or 'full of'. thus, 'gooey' literally means 'like goo' or 'full of goo', describing a soft, sticky texture, with its sentimental sense being a later figurative extension.

the word is a simplex formation from the base word 'goo'.