'shortcut' originates from the combination of 'short' and 'cut', where 'short' meant 'brief in time or extent' and 'cut' meant 'to divide or separate'.

'shortcut' evolved from the Old English word 'sceort' (short) and 'cyttan' (cut), eventually becoming the modern English word 'shortcut'.

Initially, it meant 'a brief cut or incision', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a quicker or more direct route'.