[1775–85; hulk + -y1]This word is first recorded in the period 1775–85. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: backfire, flashing, interference, polyphonic, waltz-y is a native English suffix of adjectives meaning “characterized by or inclined to”the substance or action of the word or stem to which the suffix is attached. Otherwords that use the affix -y include: dreamy, grouchy, juicy, rumbly