The compound adjective "too-small" is a transparent combination of two native English elements. "Too" originates from the Old English adverb tō, which carried the dual senses of "also" and "excessively," with the latter intensifying meaning becoming dominant here. "Small" descends from the Old English smæl, a term for physical narrowness or slightness, with Germanic roots possibly relating to grinding or making fine. The logic of the compound is direct and literal: it describes a state where the quality of being 'small' is present to an excessive or problematic degree, shifting from a neutral description of size to a judgment of insufficiency or inadequacy.

Structure: too (excessively) + small (little in size) - too: From Old English tō, an adverb meaning "in addition, also, excessively." It functions as an intensifier in this compound. - small: From Old English smæl, meaning "slender, narrow, little." It functions as the core adjective describing size.