'arrivisme' originates from French, specifically from the verb 'arriver' (to arrive) combined with the suffix '-isme' (denoting practice or system).

'arrivisme' entered English from French in the late 19th to early 20th century, reflecting the French sense of behavior associated with recent 'arrivants' or upstarts; it was influenced by related French noun 'arriviste' (an upstart).

Initially, it referred to the behaviour of newly arrived upstarts ('arrivants') seeking status; over time it broadened to mean any unscrupulous or excessive ambition for social advancement.