'status quo' originates from Latin, specifically the words 'status' and 'quo', where 'status' meant 'state' and 'quo' meant 'in which'.

'status quo' entered English as a Latin legal phrase (often used in forms like 'status quo ante') and was adopted into English largely unchanged.

Initially it referred to the 'state in which' something existed (frequently in legal or formal contexts); over time it broadened to mean the general existing state of affairs.