'chimpanzee' originates from the French word 'chimpanzé', which was derived from the Bantu language of the Congo, specifically the word 'kivili-chimpenze', where 'kivili' meant 'mockman' and 'chimpenze' referred to the animal.

'chimpanzé' transformed into the English word 'chimpanzee' in the 18th century.

Initially, it referred to the animal itself, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.