'autos' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'αὐτός' (autos), where 'autos' meant 'self'.

'autos' entered English via formation of the word 'automobile' (from Greek 'autos' + Latin 'mobilis'); 'automobile' was later shortened to 'auto', and its plural 'autos' became common.

Initially, it meant 'self' as a Greek root, but over time it evolved into the shortened form of 'automobile', meaning 'car'.