Etymology From Middle English ropy, from Middle English rop + -y, equivalent to rope + -y.
1
Resembling rope in appearance or texture, used especially of muscles that are thick or hard to the touch.
Myofascial Syndrome Hence, myofascial pain is usually associated with a taut band, indicating a "ropey" thickening of muscle tissue.
2
Capable of forming rope-like or thread-like structures.
3
Of milk or another liquid: slimy, as after the action of Enterobacter aerogenes in syrup.
The Hoary Froſts, and Northern Blaſts take care / Thy muddy Bev'rage to ſerene, and drive / Præcipitant the baſer, ropy Lees.1708, [John Philips], “Book II”, in Cyder. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], →OCLC, page 68:
The very poultry in the coop / Began to pine away and droop— / The cock was first to go; / And glad we were on all our parts, / He used to damp our very hearts / With such a ropy crow.1845, Thomas Hood, The Captain’s Cow:
Although Britain’s migration figures are ropey, other data point in the same direction.2012 September 8, “Emigration: On The Road”, in The Economist: