ropy

Etymology

From Middle English ropy, from rope + -y.

adj

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. (Britain, colloquial) Of poor quality; in poor health.
   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. Sept 8 2012, “Emigration: On The Road”, in The Economist
4. (of milk or another liquid) Slimy, as after the action of Enterobacter aerogenes in syrup.