'pismire' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'pismyre'.

'pismire' changed from Old English 'pismyre' to Middle English 'pismire' and eventually became the modern English word 'pismire' (now archaic).

Initially it meant 'ant'; over time it also acquired a figurative sense of 'a contemptible or insignificant person,' and today its use is largely archaic or dialectal.