'bandy' originates from Middle English (16th century), likely influenced by Old Norse 'benda' meaning 'to bend' or by Anglo-Norman/Old French forms related to striking or binding; the modern verbal sense of passing back and forth developed in English.

'bandy' changed from earlier Middle English forms (e.g. 'bandien'/'bandy(en)') used for striking or bending and for exchange actions, and eventually became the modern English verb 'bandy' with senses of tossing or exchanging (words, ideas).

Initially, related senses concerned bending or striking; over time the meaning shifted toward 'to strike or hit back and forth' and then more metaphorically to 'pass or exchange (words, ideas) back and forth', which is the current dominant sense.