slimy
UK[ˈslaɪmi]US[ˈslaɪmi]
adj
covered in or having the unpleasant, wet, sticky quality of slime
adj
(of a person or their behavior) friendly in a way that is not sincere and is unpleasant
Morpheme Breakdown
slime
y
slime
thick, slippery substance
y
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word 'slimy' is a straightforward english formation from its root noun. the old english noun 'slīm', meaning a sticky or viscous substance, has germanic origins and is related to dutch 'slijm' and german 'schleim'. the adjectival suffix '-y', also from old english '-ig', is a highly productive suffix used to denote possession of a quality. therefore, 'slimy' literally means "having the qualities of slime." its figurative application to describe insincere, ingratiating behavior logically extends from the unpleasant, clinging, and repulsive physical sensation associated with slime.
Analysis
Structure: slime (thick, slippery substance) + y (adjective-forming suffix)
slime (from old english 'slīm', meaning viscous or sticky substance); y (from old english '-ig', a suffix forming adjectives meaning "having the quality of").
Examples
the rocks near the waterfall were wet and slimy with algae.
he gave me a slimy handshake that made me want to wash my hands immediately.
i don't trust that salesman; he has a slimy, dishonest manner.