'attercop' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ættercoppe', where 'ætter' meant 'poison' and 'coppe' referred to a 'head' or was applied to a spider.

'attercop' changed from the Old English word 'ættercoppe' to Middle English 'attercoppe' and eventually became the modern English word 'attercop'.

Initially, it meant 'spider', but over time it evolved into a colloquial/insulting term meaning 'an unpleasant or contemptible person'.