'maniac' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'maniakos,' where 'mania' meant 'madness.'

'maniakos' transformed into the Late Latin word 'maniacus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'maniac' through Old French 'maniac.'

Initially, it meant 'madness or frenzy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior.'