'cartoon-like' originates from English, specifically the words 'cartoon' and 'like'. 'Cartoon' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'cartone', where 'cartone' meant 'cardboard' (from 'carta' meaning 'paper'). 'Like' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lic', where 'lic' meant 'having the form of or body'.

'cartoon' changed from Italian 'cartone' (used for heavy paper or preparatory drawings) into English via forms like French 'carton' and came to mean a preparatory drawing and later a humorous or satirical illustration; 'like' developed from Old English 'lic' into Middle and then Modern English 'like'. Together they formed the compound 'cartoon-like' in modern English to mean 'resembling a cartoon'.

Initially, 'cartoon' referred to a preparatory drawing on heavy paper; over time it shifted to mean a humorous or satirical illustration and animated work. As a compound, 'cartoon-like' originally would have suggested 'resembling a drawing or study' and has evolved to mean 'resembling the stylized, exaggerated qualities of cartoons or animation'.