'antipodism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antipodes', where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' and 'pous/ pod-' meant 'foot'.

'antipodism' changed through Medieval and Early Modern usage from the Greek-derived 'antipodes' via Latin and French forms (e.g. French 'antipode', or performer term 'antipodiste') and the English suffix '-ism' was added to form the noun 'antipodism'.

Initially, it referred chiefly to matters concerning the 'antipodes' (opposite points on the Earth) and the question of their inhabitants; over time the term also came to be used for the specialised performance art of foot-juggling or foot-balancing practiced by an 'antipodist'.