'stilted' originates from the word 'stilt,' which refers to a pole or post used to elevate something. The term 'stilted' metaphorically describes speech or writing that is elevated or unnatural.

The word 'stilted' evolved from the use of 'stilt' in the 16th century, which referred to a post or pole used for support, and eventually came to describe a manner of speech or writing that is artificially elevated.

Initially, it referred to something physically elevated, but over time it evolved to describe speech or writing that is unnaturally formal or stiff.