sticky etymology

Etymology

The word "sticky" is derived from the Middle English word "stikien," which itself comes from the Old English verb "stician," meaning "to stick."

Meaning

"Sticky" primarily means:

• Adhesive: Having the ability to stick or adhere to something.
• Viscous: Thick, syrupy, and difficult to pour or move.
• Uncomfortable or unpleasant: Sticking or clinging in an undesirable way.

Origin

The Old English verb "stician" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic root "stik-" (stick* or prick), which is also the source of words like "stick," "stake," and "stitch." The root "*stik-" is thought to be onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound of something sharp piercing or sticking into something else.

Over time, the meaning of "sticky" broadened to include both its adhesive and viscous qualities. In the 16th century, the word began to be used in a figurative sense to describe something that is difficult to escape or get rid of. For example, someone who is "stuck in a rut" is unable to move forward or change their situation.

sticky relate terms

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• slime

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• style

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