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

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

Initially, it meant 'not fitting or appropriate,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not conforming to accepted standards of morality or decency.'