'stubbly' originates from the word 'stubble', which comes from Middle English 'stobil', from Old French 'estuble', from Latin 'stupula', a diminutive of 'stupa' meaning 'stalk, straw'.

'stubble' changed from the Old French word 'estuble' and eventually became the modern English word 'stubble', with 'stubbly' as its adjective form.

Initially, 'stubble' referred to the short stalks left in a field after grain has been harvested, but over time it evolved to also describe short, rough facial hair.