'hackneyed' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'hakenei,' where 'hackney' referred to a horse used for ordinary riding or a hired horse.

'hakenei' transformed into the English word 'hackneyed,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'hackneyed.'

Initially, it meant 'to use a horse for ordinary riding,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking originality.'