The compound adjective "wide-leg" is a modern descriptive term from the fashion industry, formed by directly combining two native English words. "Wide," with its Proto-Germanic root wīdaz, conveys the core concept of broad spatial extent. "Leg," from Proto-Germanic lagjaz, refers specifically to the limb. The compound logically describes a garment cut where the trouser legs maintain a significant breadth throughout their length, contrasting with tapered or straight fits. Its formation follows the straightforward English pattern of adjective-noun compounding to create a clear, functional descriptor for a specific style.

Structure: wide (broad) + leg (limb) - wide: From Old English wīd (spacious, extensive), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wijd and German weit. Functions as an adjective describing breadth. - leg: From Old Norse leggr, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch been and German Bein. Functions as a noun denoting a limb.