'English-friendly' originates from Modern English, formed by combining 'English' (relating to the English language or England) and the adjective-forming element '-friendly' (from the adjective 'friendly'), where 'friendly' denotes 'characteristic of or suitable for a friend or friendly relation'.

'English' comes from Old English 'Englisc' (related to the Angles and England) and evolved into Modern English 'English'. 'Friendly' derives from Old English 'freondlic' (from 'freond' = 'friend') and developed into the Modern English 'friendly'. The compound 'English-friendly' is a modern formation combining these established words.

Individually, 'English' originally meant 'of the Angles/England' and now primarily denotes the English language or things related to England; 'friendly' originally meant 'of a friend' and now means 'helpful, favorable, or suitable.' Combined, they now mean 'suitable or accessible for English speakers.'