'oaky' originates from English, formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-y' to the noun 'oak'.

'oak' changed from Old English word 'āc' (also written 'ac') and from Proto-Germanic '*aiksaz', and eventually became the modern English word 'oak'.

Initially, it meant 'having the qualities or scent of oak'; over time it has retained that basic meaning and is now commonly used particularly of wines, spirits, and sometimes foods.