'anti-English' is formed from the combining prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') + 'English' (from Old English 'Englisc', relating to the Angles).

'anti-' as a productive prefix entered English from Greek/Latin usage in Late Middle English and Modern English; 'English' developed from Old English 'Englisc' (from the Angles). The compound 'anti-English' arose in modern usage to describe opposition to English people/culture.

Initially, the elements meant 'against' + 'of the English (people/culture)'; over time the compound has consistently been used to denote hostility or opposition toward England, English people, or English culture.