'midriff' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'midhrif,' where 'mid' meant 'middle' and 'hrif' meant 'belly.'

'midhrif' transformed into the Middle English word 'midrif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'midriff'.

Initially, it meant 'middle of the belly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'central part of the torso.'