wimpy
Meaning
weak and lacking in courage or determination; feeble.
Structure
Usage
he was too wimpy to stand up to the bullies.
don't be so wimpy about trying new foods.
the movie's villain was surprisingly wimpy and unconvincing.
Etymology
The word 'wimpy' is a relatively recent formation in English, derived from the noun 'wimp,' which emerged in early 20th-century American slang. The origin of 'wimp' is obscure but is often considered expressive or imitative, perhaps suggesting weakness or a feeble sound. The suffix '-y,' a common Germanic adjectival ending, was added to create an adjective meaning "characterized by being a wimp" or "resembling a wimp," thus concretely linking the quality of personal weakness to the noun that names such a person.
Analysis
wimp (20th century american english, of uncertain origin, likely imitative or expressive) + y (old english -ig, from proto-germanic -īgaz, forming adjectives meaning "characterized by, full of").