1. The physical action of washing: The "washy" part of the word likely refers to the action of washing, particularly the repeated rinsing of something in water, which can make it weak and diluted. This links to the figurative sense of being weak, indecisive, or lacking conviction.
2. The sound of water: The "wishy" part of the word might be connected to the sound of splashing water, which is often associated with something weak or insubstantial.
The term likely emerged in the 18th or 19th century. It wasn't until the 20th century that it became more common and entered the English language as a stable and recognizable expression.
Here's a timeline of its appearance in literature:
* 18th century: "Wishy-washy" appears in a few scattered instances, suggesting it was beginning to be used in informal speech.
* 19th century: It becomes more common in literature, primarily used to describe something weak or watery.
* 20th century: The term becomes widely used, and its meaning becomes solidified as describing someone lacking conviction or being indecisive.
It's worth noting that the word's exact origins aren't definitively established. It could have arisen from a specific event or figure, but its popularization seems to have come from its ability to aptly describe a particular type of personality.