'indecent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'indecens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'decens' meant 'fitting or proper.'

'indecens' transformed into the French word 'indécent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'indecent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not fitting or proper,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.