'non-expressionist' originates from Modern English, specifically composed of the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') and the noun 'expressionist' (from French 'expressionniste', ultimately from Latin 'expressio'/'express-' meaning 'to press out, express').

'expressionist' changed from French 'expressionniste' (late 19th century term referring to the artistic movement 'Expressionism') and entered English as 'expressionist'; in Modern English the negative prefix 'non-' was attached to form 'non-expressionist' to denote absence of or opposition to expressionist characteristics.

Initially used simply to denote someone not of the Expressionist movement ('not an expressionist'), the term has also broadened in general usage to describe styles or people that are emotionally restrained or lacking overt expressiveness.