poky

The adjective 'poky' emerged in the early 19th century, directly formed from the verb 'poke'. The verb 'poke' itself has uncertain origins but is likely from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch, related to words meaning 'to prod' or 'to thrust'. The original sense of 'poky' described something or someone that pokes or moves slowly, leading to its modern meaning of 'slow' or 'dilatory'. When applied to a place, the term evolved to imply a cramped, confining space where one can only move slowly or with difficulty, hence its association with being shabby and small.

The word 'poky' is a simplex word. It is derived from the English word 'poke', meaning to prod or move slowly, with the addition of the adjectival suffix '-y'.