'proletarian' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'proletarius,' where 'proles' meant 'offspring.'

'proletarius' transformed into the French word 'prolétaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'proletarian' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a person with no wealth other than their offspring,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of the working class.'