'aftertaste' originates from the combination of 'after' and 'taste', where 'after' meant 'later in time' and 'taste' referred to the sensation produced by a substance in the mouth.

'aftertaste' was formed by combining the words 'after' and 'taste' in English, and has remained largely unchanged in its form and meaning.

Initially, it meant 'the taste left in the mouth after eating or drinking', and this meaning has remained consistent over time.