'mummery' originates from Middle English, formed from the noun 'mummer' plus the suffix '-y'; 'mummer' itself comes from earlier Middle English/Middle French forms related to Old French 'momer' and ultimately traces back to Latin 'mimus' (meaning 'mime' or 'actor').

'mummery' changed from Middle English forms such as 'momerie' or 'mummerie' and eventually became the modern English word 'mummery' through regular phonological and orthographic shifts.

Initially it meant 'a masked performance or pantomime'; over time it acquired the extended sense of 'a pretentious or hypocritical display' and is often used derogatorily.