'detail' originates from French, specifically the word 'détail,' where 'de-' meant 'off' and 'tail' meant 'cut.'

'détail' transformed into the English word 'detail,' and eventually became the modern English word 'detailing' through the addition of the suffix '-ing.'

Initially, it meant 'to cut off or divide,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to describe or clean thoroughly.'