stringy
UK: ˈstrɪŋi | US: ˈstrɪŋi
adj. resembling or consisting of strings; fibrous
adj. (of food) tough and sinewy
adj. (of a person) tall and thin
The word "stringy" derives from the noun "string" (Old English streng, meaning "thin cord" or "line") combined with the suffix "-y," which forms adjectives indicating a characteristic or resemblance. Originally used to describe fibrous textures (e.g., meat or plants), it later extended metaphorically to describe slender physical traits. The logic follows a clear progression: "string" (a thin, elongated object) + "-y" (having the quality of) → "stringy" (fibrous or thin).
The overcooked chicken was unpleasantly stringy.
Her hair looked stringy after days without washing.
The old rope had become frayed and stringy.
He was a tall, stringy teenager with endless energy.
The celery’s stringy texture made it hard to chew.