'bardling' originates from English, specifically the word 'bard' plus the diminutive suffix '-ling', where 'bard' meant 'poet' and '-ling' meant 'little one'.

'bardling' developed by combining Middle English 'bard' (from Old Irish 'bard') with the Old English diminutive suffix '-ling', and entered later English usage as a diminutive form meaning a small or young bard.

Initially, it meant 'a little or young bard', but over time it has also taken on figurative senses of 'an insignificant or novice poet' in playful or derogatory use.