'Antipodean' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antipodes', where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' and 'pous/pod-' meant 'foot'.

'Antipodean' changed from the Greek word 'antipodes' (via Latin and Middle English usage of 'antipodes') and was formed into the modern adjective/noun by adding the suffix '-ean'.

Initially, it meant 'relating to the opposite (side) of the Earth' or 'people on the opposite side of the world'; over time it came to be used especially for people from Australia and New Zealand and things relating to them.