[1595–1605; rook1 + -y1]This word is first recorded in the period 1595–1605. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: detail, option, redundant, slur, zero-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