The term "text-only" is a modern English compound adjective, formed in the late 20th century with the rise of digital communication. Its first morpheme, "text," originates from the Latin textus, which metaphorically extended from the literal meaning "a woven thing" to signify the connected structure of written language. The second morpheme, "only," derives from Old English, emphasizing singularity and exclusivity. When combined, these elements logically create a descriptor for digital content that is restricted exclusively to written words, deliberately excluding any other media format, thus reflecting a specific technical constraint or choice in information presentation.

Structure: text (written words) + only (exclusively) - text: From Latin textus (woven thing, style, narrative), via Old French texte. In this compound, it functions as a noun root meaning written or printed words. - only: From Old English ānlīc (one-like, single, solitary), a compound of ān (one) and -līc (-ly). In this compound, it functions as an adjective/adverb suffix meaning exclusively or solely.