the word striper is a transparent modern english compound formed by adding the agentive suffix '-er' to the noun 'stripe'. the root 'stripe' entered english from middle low german or middle dutch, where it originally referred to a line or a streak, a meaning it retains. the suffix '-er' is one of the most productive in english, routinely used to create nouns indicating an agent, instrument, or resident. therefore, the logic of 'striper' is direct: it denotes something that bears stripes (like the fish), someone who wears stripes (like the sailor), or something that creates stripes.

Structure: stripe (a long, narrow band) + er (agent suffix) stripe is from middle low german or middle dutch 'strīpe', meaning a line or streak, of germanic origin. the suffix er is from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix of germanic origin, used to form nouns denoting a person or thing that performs an action.