'baho' originates from Tagalog (a Central Philippine language), related to earlier Austronesian roots referring to scent or smell.

'baho' derives from Proto-Philippine/Proto-Austronesian roots meaning 'smell' and has remained in Philippine languages with similar form and sense.

Initially it referred broadly to 'smell' and specifically came to be used for unpleasant smells; it retains that primary meaning today.