'awkwardish' originates from English, specifically formed by the adjective 'awkward' plus the suffix '-ish', where '-ish' meant 'somewhat' or 'having the quality of'.

'awkward' itself developed in English (early modern period) from earlier senses related to 'awk' (Scots/Old Norse influence, meaning 'turned the wrong way' or 'perverse'), and the modern informal formation 'awkwardish' is a recent, colloquial extension adding '-ish' to indicate approximation.

Initially, roots related to 'awk' conveyed the idea 'turned the wrong way' or 'perverse'; over time this evolved into 'awkward' meaning 'lacking ease or grace,' and 'awkwardish' came to mean 'somewhat awkward' or 'a little bit awkward.'