'slow-witted' originates from the combination of 'slow' and 'witted,' where 'slow' meant 'not quick' and 'witted' referred to 'having mental faculties.'

'slow-witted' evolved from the Old English word 'slaw' meaning 'slow' and 'witt' meaning 'mind or understanding,' eventually forming the modern English term 'slow-witted.'

Initially, it meant 'having a slow mind,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.