'kingfisher-esque' originates from the English word 'kingfisher', combined with the suffix '-esque', which is used to form adjectives meaning 'in the style of' or 'resembling'.

'kingfisher' is derived from Middle English 'kingfissher', which itself comes from the Old English 'cyningfiscere', meaning 'king's fisher'. The suffix '-esque' is borrowed from French, where it is used to form adjectives.

Initially, 'kingfisher' referred to the bird known for its vibrant colors and fishing skills. The addition of '-esque' evolved the meaning to describe anything resembling or characteristic of a kingfisher.