'quick-wittedness' originates from the combination of 'quick' and 'witted', where 'quick' meant 'alive or lively' and 'witted' referred to 'having mental faculties'.

'quick-witted' evolved from the Old English word 'cwic' meaning 'alive' and 'witt' meaning 'mind or understanding', eventually forming the modern English word 'quick-witted'.

Initially, it meant 'having a lively mind', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being able to think and respond quickly'.