Definition of shabbily

The word "shabbily" has its roots in the 14th century. It is a suffix-based word that has evolved from the Old French phrase "en shabbes," which means "in a lazy or idle manner." This phrase was derived from the Hebrew word "shabbat," meaning "day of rest," which referred to the Jewish Sabbath. Over time, the term "en shabbes" was adapted into Middle English as "shabbesly," suggesting a lack of care or attention. In the 16th century, this term was shortened to "shabily," and eventually, the spelling was standardized to "shabbily." Today, the word is used to describe something that is done in a careless or haphazard manner, often implying a lack of skill or attention to detail.