'stagey' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'stage' + the adjectival suffix '-y', where 'stage' meant 'a raised platform or the area for performance' and the suffix '-y' meant 'having the quality of'.

'stage' changed from Old French 'estage' (meaning a dwelling or standing place) and from Late Latin 'staticum' (from Latin 'stare', 'to stand') into Middle English 'stage', and later English formed the adjective 'stagey' by adding '-y'.

Initially, 'stage' referred to a physical raised platform; over time the derived adjective 'stagey' evolved to mean 'having the qualities of stage performance', often implying artificiality or theatricality.