'balladism' originates from English elements 'ballad' + suffix '-ism', where 'ballad' comes via Old French from Provençal 'ballada' and ultimately from Latin 'ballare' meaning 'to dance', and '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' via Latin and French) denotes a practice, system, or characteristic.

'ballad' changed from Old French 'ballade' / Provençal 'ballada' (a dance-song) and entered Middle English as 'ballad' meaning a narrative song; the modern English formation 'balladism' is created by adding the productive suffix '-ism' to denote the practice or characteristic relating to ballads.

Initially related to songs or dance-songs ('a song to accompany dancing'), the sense broadened to denote narrative or lyrical song; 'balladism' later came to mean the practice or qualities associated with such songs, i.e., ballad-like style.