The word 'waxy' is a straightforward English formation, combining the native noun 'wax' with the productive adjectival suffix '-y'. The noun 'wax' itself has ancient roots, descending from Old English weax, which can be traced back through Proto-Germanic to a probable Proto-Indo-European source. The suffix '-y', also of Old English origin, is a versatile tool for creating descriptive terms. Therefore, 'waxy' literally means "having the qualities of wax," a sense which has been extended metaphorically to describe pallid, sickly complexions that visually resemble the color and sheen of pale wax.

Structure: wax (substance) + y (adjective-forming suffix) wax: From Old English weax, meaning the substance produced by bees. Its Proto-Germanic origin is wahsam, and its Proto-Indo-European root is likely wokso-, meaning "wax". y: A native English suffix from Old English -ig, used to form adjectives meaning "full of" or "having the quality of".