Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪbɪɪʃ] (IPA) 
The word "babyish" is spelled with a "y" instead of a "ie" or "i" because of the pronunciation of the word. In the IPA phonetic transcription, the "y" sound is represented by the symbol /j/, which resembles a lowercase "y". This sound is heard in words like "yes" and "yellow". Therefore, the spelling of "babyish" with a "y" accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word which has a strong "y" sound in the middle.
Babyish is an adjective used to describe someone or something that exhibits characteristics typically associated with a baby or very young child. It refers to behaviors, traits, or mannerisms that are childish, immature, or indicative of being in an early developmental stage.
When applied to a person, it suggests a certain level of immaturity or dependency that is reminiscent of an infant. This can manifest in various ways, such as crying easily, throwing tantrums, being overly sensitive, or seeking constant attention. It may also imply a lack of independence, decision-making ability, or responsibility. A person described as babyish is often seen as needing to grow up or mature in their behaviors and attitudes.
When used to describe something other than a person, babyish typically refers to objects, designs, or styles that are overly simplistic, cute, or childlike in nature. This could include clothes, toys, or decorations that feature bright colors, soft textures, or cartoon imagery, often appealing primarily to younger children or those with childlike tastes.
Overall, babyish generally conveys a sense of immaturity, dependence, or simplicity, whether referring to a person or an object.
The word "babyish" is derived from the noun "baby".
The term "baby" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as "babee". It came from the Old English word "baba", which was an imitation of the sound a baby makes when crying. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved and eventually settled on "baby" in early Modern English.
The suffix "-ish" is added to the noun "baby" to form the adjective "babyish". The suffix "-ish" is of Old English origin, and it functions to indicate characteristics that are similar to or somewhat like the corresponding noun. In this case, "babyish" describes something that is reminiscent of a baby, such as behaviors or qualities associated with infancy or immaturity.
