British slang for lame, injured, or not working properly, especially when describing a leg or limb.
Possibly from 'gamb' (a leg in heraldry or from French 'jambe'), or from Polari (London gay slang). It became common British dialect slang in the 20th century, especially working-class speech.
Gammy is a beautiful example of how British slang often comes from unexpected places—Polari, the secret language of London's underground theater and gay communities, contributed many words that became mainstream slang without people realizing.
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