'apishness' originates from English, specifically the word 'apish' (ape + '-ish'), where 'ape' meant 'a primate' and the suffix '-ish' meant 'having the nature of'.

'apishness' developed from the adjective 'apish' (formed from 'ape' + suffix '-ish') and the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ness', creating 'apishness' in Modern English.

Initially it meant 'the condition of being like an ape' (in physical or general resemblance), but over time it has often come to mean 'foolish or servile imitation' (emphasizing mimicry).