'acerbophobia' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acerbus,' where 'acerb-' meant 'sour' and '-phobia' is derived from Greek, meaning 'fear.'

'acerbus' transformed into the modern English word 'acerbophobia' by combining with the Greek suffix '-phobia.'

Initially, it meant 'fear of sourness,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.