Definition of starchy

The adjective "starchy" has its roots in the 17th century. It originally referred to cooked grains, such as potatoes, that had been drained of their starch. Over time, the term expanded to describe not only food but also people's social behavior. In the 18th century, "starchy" began to connote formality, rigidity, and even pretentiousness. This sense of the word emerged from the idea that starch was often associated with corsets, crinolines, and other restrictive clothing that made people appear stiff and formal. In the 20th century, the term took on a more casual meaning, describing someone who is self-important, serious, or unnecessarily formal. Despite its evolution, the word "starchy" still retains its connection to starch and the idea of stiffness, whether literal or figurative.