'aristophanic' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the name 'Aristophánēs' (Ἀριστοφάνης), where 'aristo-' meant 'best' and the element related to 'phainō' meant 'to appear' or 'to show'; the adjective is formed from that proper name to indicate relation to Aristophanes or his style.

'aristophanic' developed in English as an adjective derived from the proper name 'Aristophanes' (via scholarly references to the Greek playwright). Over time the term came to describe not only literal relation to Aristophanes but also any work that resembles his comic, satirical, and often bawdy style.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to Aristophanes (the playwright)', but over time it evolved to mean 'resembling the coarse, satirical, farcical style associated with Aristophanes'.