'arrivism' originates from French, specifically the word 'arrivisme', where 'arriver' meant 'to arrive' (to come to a place or position).

'arrivism' changed from the French word 'arrivisme' (and the related French noun 'arriviste' for a social climber) and was adopted into English to denote the practice or attitude of such a person.

Initially, it was connected simply to 'arrival' or the notion of 'coming into a place/position', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ambitious social climbing or unscrupulous striving for status'.