'acrosticism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'akrostikhis,' where 'akros' meant 'top' or 'end' and 'stikhos' meant 'line.'

'akrostikhis' transformed into the Latin word 'acrostichis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'acrosticism.'

Initially, it meant 'a line of verse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a form of writing with hidden messages.'