'barnstorm' originates from American English in the early 20th century, combining 'barn' (a farm building) and 'storm' (used figuratively to mean 'rush through' or 'attack' in order to attract attention).

'barnstorm' developed as a compound of 'barn' + 'storm' to describe performers who gave shows in barns and rural venues; by the 1910s and 1920s 'barnstorm' and 'barnstormer' were common in reference to traveling entertainers and later to stunt pilots.

Initially it referred specifically to performers giving shows in barns and rural halls, but it broadened to mean energetic touring performances, aggressive political touring, and aerial stunt exhibitions.