'arabesk' originates from French, specifically the word 'arabesque', where 'arab' referred to 'Arab' or 'in the Arabic manner'.

'arabesque' changed from the Italian word 'arabesco' (meaning 'in the manner of the Arabs') and eventually became the modern English/French word 'arabesque'; 'arabesk' is a later variant spelling used in some languages and contexts.

Initially it meant 'in the Arabic manner' or 'Arab-influenced style'; over time it came to denote a specific ornamental motif and extended to musical and dance senses. The Turkish music sense ('Arabesk') developed later as a distinct genre influenced by Arabic music.