'hobbyist' originates from the word 'hobby,' which comes from the Middle English word 'hobyn,' meaning 'small horse or pony.'

'hobby' evolved from the Middle English 'hobyn' to denote a pastime or leisure activity, eventually leading to the term 'hobbyist' to describe someone who engages in such activities.

Initially, 'hobby' referred to a small horse, but over time it evolved to mean a leisure activity, and 'hobbyist' came to describe someone who engages in such activities.