'server-down' originates from the combination of 'server' and 'down', where 'server' refers to a computer or system that provides data to other computers, and 'down' indicates a state of non-functionality.

The term 'server-down' evolved from the increasing reliance on digital servers in the late 20th century, where 'down' was commonly used to describe non-operational states.

Initially, 'down' meant 'not functioning', and this meaning has remained consistent in the context of servers.