'salt-loving' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound of the words 'salt' and 'loving', where 'salt' meant 'salt' and 'loving' is derived from 'love' meaning 'having an affinity for'.

'salt' comes from Old English 'sealt' (related to German 'Salz'), and 'loving' derives from Old English 'lufian' (to love). The compound 'salt-loving' is a transparent Modern English formation used to describe organisms or things that prefer salty conditions.

Initially a literal combination meaning 'loving salt', it has become a descriptive term (especially in scientific contexts) meaning 'thriving in or adapted to saline environments'.