Dumpish

/ˈdʌmpɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Somewhat dumpy; having qualities of being short, thick, or dowdy; also potentially meaning sad or melancholic (archaic usage).

Etymology

From 'dump' or 'dumpy' + suffix '-ish,' which softens or creates a milder form of the root quality. The melancholic meaning may derive from 'dump' as an old term for sadness.

Kelly Says

The '-ish' suffix is wonderfully vague—'dumpish' doesn't quite commit to dumpy-ness, leaving room for interpretation, much like calling something 'bluish' when you're not sure of the exact color.

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