'back-to-basics' originates from English, formed by combining the word 'back' (from Old English 'bæc') and the adjective 'basic' (from Modern English 'basic', ultimately from Greek 'basis' via Latin/French), where 'bæc' meant 'rear' or 'back' and 'basis' meant 'a stepping or foundation'.

'basic' entered English via French/Latin from Greek 'basis'; the compound phrase 'back to basics' emerged in the mid-20th century in literal and figurative use and became popular as a political and educational slogan in the 1970s–1980s. The hyphenated form 'back-to-basics' developed as it began to be used attributively (before nouns).

Initially used in a literal sense to indicate returning physically 'back' to foundational 'basics', it evolved into a figurative slogan meaning 'return to fundamental principles' and has retained that general sense in modern usage.