'Englishophobia' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of the English word 'English' and the Greek-derived combining form '-phobia' (from Greek 'phobos') where 'phobos' meant 'fear'.

'Englishophobia' was formed in Modern English by analogy with earlier coinages such as 'xenophobia' and 'agoraphobia' (combining a language or group name with '-phobia'), and so emerged as a productive compound rather than through direct borrowing from another historical language.

Initially formed to mean 'fear of English' (primarily the language), its usage can extend to denote broader hostility or prejudice toward English people or culture, depending on context.