'asperness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'asper', where 'asper' meant 'rough', combined with the English suffix '-ness' (meaning 'state or quality').

'asperness' derived via Latin 'asperitas' (meaning 'roughness, harshness') into Medieval Latin and Old French forms (e.g. 'asperité'), then appeared in Middle English as 'aspernesse' and eventually became the modern English 'asperness'.

Initially it meant 'roughness' in a physical sense (from Latin 'asper'), and over time the meaning broadened to include figurative senses of 'harshness' or 'severity' (of manner, tone, or conditions).