'taunt' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'taunten', which likely derives from Old French 'tanter' (also written 'tenter'), where the root 'tent-' came from Latin 'tentare' meaning 'to try' or 'to test'.

'taunt' changed from the Middle English word 'taunten' (influenced by Old French 'tanter'/'tenter') and eventually became the modern English word 'taunt', shifting in usage toward 'mock' or 'provoke'.

Initially related to the idea of 'testing' or 'trying' (from 'tentare'), it gradually evolved in English to mean 'to provoke, mock, or ridicule' and now carries the sense of insult or scorn.