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

'parōidia' transformed into the Latin word 'parodia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'parody' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a song sung beside another,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a humorous imitation.'