Eelier

/ˈiːli-ər/ adjective

Definition

More eel-like in appearance or characteristics; having more qualities similar to an eel.

Etymology

Comparative form of 'eely' (from 'eel' plus '-y' and comparative '-er'). 'Eely' was used in Middle English to describe slippery, elongated, or winding things.

Kelly Says

The fact that we need a comparative adjective ('eelier') shows eels were so common in people's minds they became the measuring stick for slipperiness—like how we say 'fishier' to mean more suspicious.

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