'anti-classicalist' originates from modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') and the element 'classicalist' (from 'classical' + the suffix '-ist').

'anti-' comes from Greek 'anti' and has been used in English as a productive prefix since the 17th century; 'classical' derives from Latin 'classicus' via French and Middle English, and '-ist' (denoting an adherent or supporter) comes via Latin/French. The compound 'anti-classicalist' is a modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially, 'anti-' simply meant 'against' and 'classicalist' referred to a proponent of classical style; the compound therefore came to mean 'someone opposed to classicalism' and is used to describe positions or attitudes rejecting classical conventions in art, literature, music, or theory.