'rightism' originates from the English word 'right,' which in political contexts refers to conservative or traditionalist views, combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a system of beliefs or ideology.

'right' in the political sense has been used since the 18th century, referring to the seating arrangement in the French Estates General, where conservatives sat on the right side.

Initially, 'right' referred to the literal direction, but over time it evolved to represent conservative political ideologies.