'bureaucrat' originates from French, specifically the word 'bureaucratie,' where 'bureau' meant 'desk' and '-cratie' meant 'rule or government.'

'bureaucratie' transformed into the English word 'bureaucracy,' and eventually became the modern English word 'bureaucrat.'

Initially, it meant 'rule by desks or offices,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'officials in a government department.'