'afterwit' originates from Middle English, specifically the combination of 'after' and 'wit', where 'after' meant 'later' and 'wit' meant 'knowledge or intelligence'.

'afterwit' changed from the Middle English word 'afterwitte' and eventually became the modern English word 'afterwit'.

Initially, it meant 'knowledge gained after the fact', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'realization of a witty remark after the opportunity has passed'.