'nostalgic' originates from the Greek word 'nostos,' meaning 'return home,' and 'algos,' meaning 'pain.'

'nostos' and 'algos' combined to form the New Latin word 'nostalgia,' which eventually became the English word 'nostalgic.'

Initially, it meant 'the pain of returning home,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'sentimental longing for the past.'