'atticist' originates from English elements 'Attic' + suffix '-ist'; 'Attic' ultimately refers to the region Attica (Athens) and its dialect, and '-ist' denotes an adherent or proponent.

'Attic' comes from Latin 'Atticus' and Greek 'Attikos' meaning 'of Attica'; English formed 'atticist' (in reference to proponents of Atticism) in later scholarly and rhetorical usage, deriving the modern English compound from these elements.

Initially it named a supporter of the Attic dialect/style in classical rhetoric; over time it also came to describe anyone who favors a concise, classical literary style.