'parody' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'parōidía', where 'para-' meant 'beside, counter' and 'ōidē' meant 'song'.

'parōidía' passed into Late Latin as 'parodia', then into Old French and Middle English as 'parodie', eventually becoming the modern English word 'parody'.

Initially, it referred specifically to a 'counter-song' or imitation of a song; over time it broadened to mean any humorous or satirical imitation of a work or style.