'panicky' originates from English, formed from the noun 'panic' + the adjectival suffix '-y' (meaning 'characterized by'). The noun 'panic' ultimately comes from Greek 'panikos' (pertaining to Pan).

'panic' came into English via French 'panique' and Latin 'panicus,' which in turn trace back to Greek 'panikos' (from Pan, the god). The adjective 'panicky' developed later in English by adding '-y' to 'panic' to mean 'characterized by panic.'

Initially related to the idea of fear associated with Pan (sudden, irrational fear), it evolved to describe people or behavior that show or cause sudden alarm: 'easily alarmed' or 'causing panic.'