the word 'squirmy' is a relatively modern english formation, built upon the earlier verb 'squirm,' which first appeared in the late 17th century. 'squirm' is believed to be an imitative or expressive word, possibly influenced by 'worm' and 'wriggle,' capturing the sound or sensation of twisting, wriggling movement. the addition of the productive adjectival suffix '-y,' from old english '-ig,' creates a descriptive term meaning "characterized by squirming" or "inclined to squirm." this efficiently transforms the action into a state or quality, used both literally for physical fidgeting and figuratively for causing mental unease.

Structure: squirm (to wriggle) + y (adjective-forming suffix) squirm (of unknown origin, likely imitative, meaning to twist and turn the body) + y (old english, adjective-forming suffix meaning "characterized by" or "full of").