plummy

the word plummy originates from the old english word for the fruit, plum. the adjective-forming suffix -y was attached to create a term literally meaning "resembling or full of plums." over time, the association with the rich, deep color and perhaps the desirable, sweet taste of the fruit led to figurative extensions. by the 19th century, it was used to describe a deep, rich, and mellow voice quality, which later acquired the specific connotation of an affectedly upper-class or luxurious accent, leveraging the fruit's historical connection to luxury and choice fare.

Structure: plum (fruit) + y (adjective-forming suffix) plum (from old english plūme, from latin prūnum, meaning the fruit plum); y (from old english -ig, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "characterized by, full of, having the qualities of").