one-issue

The compound adjective "one-issue" is a modern English formation, transparently combining two native elements. "One" descends from the Proto-Germanic numeral ainaz, which has retained its core meaning of singularity. "Issue" has a more complex journey, originating from the Latin verb 'exire' (to go out), which evolved in Old French to denote a result or outcome flowing from a source. In English, this broadened to signify a point of discussion or a contentious topic. The logic of the compound is direct and literal: it describes a focus confined to a single, specific matter, often used critically to describe political movements or voters perceived as having narrow agendas.

Structure: one (single) + issue (topic/problem) - one: From Old English 'ān', meaning "one, a single". Its functional role is as a numerical quantifier. - issue: From Old French 'issue', meaning "exit, outcome, result", ultimately from Latin 'exire' (to go out). Its functional role is as the core noun denoting a matter or topic.