the compound "weird-looking" is a relatively modern english formation, combining two elements of distinct heritage. the first element, "weird," originates from the old english noun "wyrd," which meant fate or destiny, a concept tied to the supernatural forces that predetermined events. through scottish usage and literary influence, notably shakespeare's "weird sisters" in macbeth, the term evolved to mean uncanny or strangely ominous, eventually broadening to its current sense of simply strange or unusual. the second element, "looking," derives from the old english verb "lōcian," meaning to see or gaze, and its participial form came to describe appearance. when combined, the literal "strange-appearing" construction directly and transparently conveys the modern meaning of having an odd or bizarre visual aspect.

Structure: weird (strange) + looking (appearing) weird (from old english 'wyrd', meaning fate or destiny, later evolving to mean supernatural or uncanny; here it functions as an adjective meaning strange). looking (from old english 'lōcian', meaning to see or have a certain appearance; here it is a present participle functioning as an adjective-forming suffix).