'barmecide' originates from Arabic and Persian traditions, specifically the name of the Barmakid family (often called 'Barmak' or 'Barmakid'), where the family name was borrowed into tales that reached European readers.

'barmecide' changed from being a proper name in stories of the Barmakid family in The Arabian Nights and related literature into a common English term meaning an illusory or mock generosity; the literary use led to its transfer into English as 'barmecide'.

Initially associated with the legendary Barmakid figure or story, it evolved to mean 'an empty or illusory show of hospitality or generosity'.