'aristologist' originates from Greek, specifically from 'aristos' and 'logos', where 'aristos' meant 'best' and 'logos' meant 'study' or 'discourse'.

'aristologist' was formed in English by combining the noun 'aristology' (the study or art of good dining) with the agentive suffix '-ist'; 'aristology' itself derives from Greek roots and entered English usage in the 19th century.

Initially, the root idea referred to the 'study of excellent eating' or the theory of good dining; over time the term (and related forms) came to be used for a person who practices or is a connoisseur of fine dining — a gourmet.