'barmecidal' ultimately originates from the name 'Barmecide,' which traces back to the historical Persian family name 'Barmak' (the Barmakids) as represented in Middle Eastern tales.

'Barmecide' entered European literary usage via translations and retellings of Middle Eastern tales (notably stories associated with The Arabian Nights), and English formed the adjective 'barmecidal' from that name to describe illusory hospitality.

Originally associated with the Barmakid name and the tale of an imaginary feast, the term came to mean 'illusory or mock generosity' and is now used broadly to describe anything that is only apparently generous or substantial.