'squeamish' originates from early modern English/dialect usage (late 16th to early 17th century), specifically the dialectal form 'squeam(e)' or 'squeame', where it meant 'fastidious, easily offended or delicate'.

'squeamish' developed from regional/dialectal English forms like 'squeam(e)' and was influenced by nearby words such as 'queam'/'queasy' (which relate to nausea); over time the adjective stabilized as 'squeamish' in standard English.

Initially, it primarily meant 'fastidious or easily offended'; over time its common sense shifted toward 'easily made nauseous or disgusted,' though both senses are still used.