'self-taught' originates from the combination of 'self,' meaning 'by oneself,' and 'taught,' the past participle of 'teach,' meaning 'to impart knowledge or skill.'

'self-taught' evolved from the Old English word 'tæcan,' which meant 'to show or instruct,' combined with 'self,' which has been used since Middle English to denote 'one's own.'

Initially, it meant 'taught by oneself,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.