The compound adjective 'still-standing' is a transparent combination of two native English elements. 'Still,' with its core sense of immobility and continuity, originates from the Proto-Germanic concept of calmness and fixedness. 'Standing,' derived from the fundamental Proto-Indo-European root steh₂- meaning "to stand," denotes an upright posture or position. When combined, the literal meaning "continuing to stand" first described physical structures, like buildings or trees, that remained upright over time. This concrete sense naturally extended into a figurative usage, applying to abstract entities like traditions, laws, or records that persist and remain in force, thereby connecting the physical act of standing firm with the metaphorical concept of endurance.

Structure: still (motionless/continuing) + standing (upright position) - still: From Old English stille (motionless, quiet, fixed), from Proto-Germanic stillijaz. Functions as an adverb/adjective meaning "without movement" or "continuing." - standing: From Old English standan (to stand), from Proto-Germanic standaną, from PIE root steh₂- (to stand). The present participle form -ing functions as an adjective suffix meaning "in a state of."