'akali' originates from Punjabi, specifically the word 'ਅਕਾਲੀ', where 'ਅਕਾਲ' meant 'timeless' or 'immortal'.

'ਅਕਾਲੀ' transformed into the English word 'akali' as it was adopted into English usage to describe members of the Sikh political party.

Initially, it meant 'timeless' or 'immortal', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of a Sikh political party'.