Describing a group or place that is exclusive and friendly to its members while keeping outsiders away; having a close-knit, members-only atmosphere.
From 'club' (a group of people with shared interests) plus the suffix '-y' (meaning 'having the quality of'). Emerged in the late 19th century as British English to describe the insular, selective nature of social clubs.
The word perfectly captures a very British phenomenon—the exclusivity of private clubs became so influential that 'clubby' entered the language to describe any group that acts like they belong to an elite society together.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.