'histrionic' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'histrionicus,' where 'histrio' meant 'actor.'

'histrionicus' transformed into the French word 'histrionique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'histrionic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to actors or acting,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'overly theatrical or melodramatic.'