'tufty' originates from English, formed from the noun 'tuft' + the adjectival suffix '-y' (meaning 'characterized by').

'tuft' entered Middle English from Old French 'touffe' (meaning 'tuft, clump'), and later the suffix '-y' was added in English to create the adjective 'tufty'.

Initially it meant 'having a tuft or tufts' and this basic sense has been retained in modern usage as 'having small bunches or clumps'.