'bland' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'blandus', where 'blandus' meant 'smooth, soft, or flattering'.

'blandus' transformed into the Old French word 'bland', and eventually became the modern English word 'bland' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'smooth or soft', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting'.