'obscene' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obscēnus,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'scēna' meant 'stage or scene.'

'obscēnus' transformed into the French word 'obscène,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obscene' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'offensive to the senses,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'offensive to morality or decency.'