'chewy' originates from the English word 'chew', which comes from the Old English 'ceowan', meaning 'to bite or gnaw'.

'ceowan' transformed into the Middle English word 'chewen', and eventually became the modern English word 'chew', from which 'chewy' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to bite or gnaw', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a texture that requires chewing'.