'slight' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sliht' (or similar medieval forms), where the root meant 'smooth, even, or slender.'

'sliht' changed into Middle English forms such as 'slyght'/'slight' and eventually became the modern English word 'slight.'

Initially, it had senses related to smoothness or smallness; over time it evolved to mean 'small in degree' or 'insignificant' and, as a verb, 'to treat as unimportant' or 'to insult.'