'banausic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'banausikos', where 'banausos' meant 'artisan' or 'manual worker'.

'banausic' changed from Greek 'banausikos' (and related Late Latin/Medieval formations) and was later borrowed into English as 'banausic' in modern usage.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to manual labor or craftsmen', often with a derogatory sense of low or ignoble work, but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'practical, utilitarian, or mundane' (sometimes retaining the pejorative sense).