'sloven' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'slof,' where 'slof' meant 'careless or negligent person.'

'slof' changed from the Middle French word 'slof' and eventually became the modern English word 'sloven'.

Initially, it meant 'careless or negligent person,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who is habitually messy or careless in appearance or work.'