'arricciato' originates from Italian, specifically the past participle of the verb 'arricciare', where the prefix 'a-' (a- / ad-) is a verbal formative and the root 'riccio' meant 'curl' or 'curl-like'.

'arricciato' developed from Italian 'arricciare' (to curl, gather), which itself formed from the root 'riccio' (meaning 'curl' or 'curly') with a- added to form the verb; the modern Italian participle 'arricciato' preserves that form.

Initially it described something made bristly or curled (literally 'made like a curl/hedgehog-like'); over time it has been used generally for 'curled', 'crimped', or 'gathered' in reference to hair, fabric, or trims.