'balkish' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'balk' plus the suffix '-ish', where '-ish' meant 'having the quality of' (forming adjectives).

'balkish' was formed in modern English by combining the verb/noun 'balk' (see below) with the Old English/Germanic-derived suffix '-ish'. 'balk' itself changed from Old Norse 'balkr' (meaning 'ridge, beam') into Middle English 'balk' and developed the sense 'to stop short' or 'hesitate', which contributed to the adjective formation.

Initially, the components indicated 'having the quality of a balk' (i.e., like a beam or ridge, or figuratively 'causing obstruction'); over time this evolved into the current sense of 'tending to hesitate or refuse' (reluctant or uncooperative).