'epigrammatist' originates from Greek via Latin and English formation: from Greek 'epigramma' (ἐπίγραμμα) where the prefix 'epi-' meant 'upon' or 'in addition' and 'gramma' meant 'thing written' or 'letter'.

'epigrammatist' developed after the noun 'epigram' (from Greek 'epigramma' → Latin 'epigramma' → Old French 'epigramme' → Middle English 'epigram') by adding the agent-forming English suffix '-ist' to denote a person who composes epigrams.

Initially 'epigramma' referred to an inscription or written inscription and later came to mean a short, pointed poem or saying; over time the derived English form 'epigrammatist' came to mean specifically a maker or writer of such concise, witty remarks.