'mite-ish' originates from the English word 'mite,' combined with the suffix '-ish,' which is used to form adjectives meaning 'having the quality of' or 'resembling.'

'mite' changed from the Old English word 'mīte,' referring to a small insect, and eventually became the modern English word 'mite.' The suffix '-ish' has been used in English since the Middle Ages to form adjectives.

Initially, 'mite' referred to a small insect, and the suffix '-ish' was used to denote resemblance. The meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.