'incivility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incivilitas,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'civilitas' meant 'courtesy or politeness.'

'incivilitas' transformed into the Old French word 'incivilité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incivility' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'lack of courtesy or politeness,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.