'clean-government' originates from English, specifically the words 'clean' and 'government', where 'clean' ultimately comes from Old English 'clǣne' meaning 'free from dirt' and 'government' ultimately comes from Latin 'gubernare' (via Old French 'governer') meaning 'to steer or rule'.

'clean' changed from the Old English word 'clǣne' and kept the general sense of 'free from dirt or stain'; 'government' changed from Latin 'gubernare' to Old French 'governer' and Middle English 'governen', eventually becoming the modern English 'government'. The compound expression 'clean government' developed in modern English as a political phrase combining these words.

Initially the elements meant 'clean' = 'free from physical dirt' and 'government' = 'the act or system of governing'; over time the compound came to mean specifically 'a government free from corruption' (i.e., moral/ethical cleanliness rather than physical).