Gargoylish

/ɡɑːrˈɡɔɪlɪʃ/ adjective

Definition

Having qualities somewhat like a gargoyle; grotesquely ugly or sinister in appearance.

Etymology

From gargoyle plus -ish (suffix meaning 'somewhat like' or 'having some quality of'), suggesting an approximation rather than exact resemblance.

Kelly Says

The -ish suffix is beautifully vague—'gargoylish' means 'sort of gargoyle-like' without committing to full gargoyle status, making it perfect for things that are weird but not fully monstrous.

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