'wheezy' originates from the Old English word 'hwēsian', where 'hwēs-' meant 'to breathe with difficulty'.

'hwēsian' transformed into the Middle English word 'wheesen', and eventually became the modern English word 'wheezy'.

Initially, it meant 'to breathe with difficulty', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'producing a wheezing sound'.