'prim' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'primus', where 'prim-' meant 'first'.

'prim' developed via Old French and Middle English forms related to 'prime' and was shortened and specialized in meaning to the modern English adjective 'prim'.

Initially, it was connected to the idea of 'first' or 'prime' ('of first rank'), but over time it evolved into the current sense of 'stiffly proper' or 'overly neat'.