'anti-masker' originates from English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against'), the noun 'mask' (from French 'masque' and Italian 'maschera'), and the agentive suffix '-er' (used to form nouns meaning 'person who does X').

'mask' changed from Italian 'maschera' and French 'masque' (from Medieval Latin 'masca') and eventually became the modern English word 'mask'. The compound 'anti-masker' was created in modern English by combining 'anti-' + 'mask' + '-er'; similar phrasing appeared historically (for example in opposition groups such as the Anti-Mask League around 1919) and the term saw widespread use again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially the label described people opposing mask mandates (historically noted around 1918–1919), but in contemporary usage it has become particularly associated with opposition during the COVID-19 pandemic and often carries political or ideological connotations.