'system-neutral' originates from the combination of 'system' and 'neutral', where 'system' refers to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, and 'neutral' means not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.

'system' and 'neutral' have been used in English since the late Middle Ages, but the compound 'system-neutral' is a modern term that emerged with the rise of technology and the need for compatibility across different systems.

Initially, 'neutral' meant 'not taking sides', but in the context of 'system-neutral', it evolved to mean 'compatible with various systems'.