'belowstairs' originates from the combination of 'below' and 'stairs', where 'below' meant 'underneath' and 'stairs' referred to 'a set of steps'.

'belowstairs' was used in the context of large houses where servants lived and worked in the lower levels, evolving into its current usage.

Initially, it referred specifically to the physical location of servants' quarters, but over time it has come to represent the social distinction between servants and their employers.