'pussy' originates from English, specifically from the word 'puss' (a familiar call for a cat), where 'puss' is of imitative/origin-calling origin.

'puss' (a call used to attract a cat) developed into the diminutive/form 'pussy' in Early Modern English; over time 'pussy' kept the sense of a small or affectionate cat and later acquired additional slang senses.

Initially, it meant 'a cat' or an affectionate term for a cat; over time it also developed vulgar sexual meanings referring to female genitalia and extended figuratively to mean 'a coward' or 'a timid person'.