'smartweed' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'smerte wede,' where 'smerte' meant 'sharp' or 'pungent' and 'wede' meant 'plant.'

'smerte wede' transformed into the modern English word 'smartweed' through gradual phonetic changes.

Initially, it meant 'a sharp-tasting plant,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.