The word 'zingy' is a modern, informal English adjective derived from the noun 'zing', which emerged in the early 20th century. 'Zing' itself is onomatopoeic, imitating a sharp, humming, or vibrant sound, such as that of a bullet or a taut string. By metaphorical extension, this sense of vibrant, lively sound came to represent a quality of spirited energy, briskness, or piquancy. The suffix '-y' is a productive English adjectival suffix (from Old English '-ig'), added to 'zing' to form 'zingy', meaning "characterized by or full of zing," thus describing something as lively, exciting, or strikingly attractive.

This is a simplex word. It is an informal formation based on the noun 'zing', which is likely imitative in origin, suggesting a sharp, high-pitched sound or vibrant energy.