'tipsily' originates from English, specifically the adjective 'tipsy' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly,' where 'tip' meant 'to tilt, to overturn,' giving the sense of unsteadiness associated with slight drunkenness.

'tipsily' formed in Early Modern English from the adjective 'tipsy' + '-ly' and became the modern English word 'tipsily.' The adjective 'tipsy' itself developed from 'tip' + the adjectival suffix '-sy,' referring to a mildly unsteady, slightly drunk state.

Initially, it meant 'in a slightly drunk manner,' and later broadened to include the figurative sense of 'unsteadily' even without actual intoxication.