'mean-spirited' originates from the combination of 'mean' and 'spirited', where 'mean' meant 'unkind' and 'spirited' referred to one's nature or disposition.

'mean' changed from the Old English word 'gemǣne' meaning 'common' or 'shared', and 'spirited' from the Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'breath' or 'spirit'.

Initially, 'mean' referred to something common or shared, but over time it evolved to signify unkindness, while 'spirited' retained its reference to one's nature.