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.

Structure: wimp (a weak or ineffectual person) + y (adjective-forming suffix) 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").