'duck-like' originates from English, specifically the word 'duck' and the suffix '-like', where 'duck' comes from Old English 'dūce' (or 'duce') meaning 'diver' and the suffix '-like' derives from Old English 'līc' meaning 'body, form'.

'duck-like' developed as a compound in Middle English from the noun 'duck' plus the adjectival suffix '-like' (from Old English 'līc'), eventually becoming the modern descriptive form 'duck-like'.

Initially it simply meant 'having the form or characteristics of a duck'; over time this basic sense has remained largely the same, used broadly for appearance, movement, or quality comparisons.