'twit' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'twiten', where the root meant 'to reproach' or 'to taunt'.

'twit' changed from Middle English 'twiten' (and related dialectal forms) and eventually became the modern English 'twit' in Early Modern English usage.

Initially it meant 'to reproach or taunt'; over time it also developed as a noun meaning 'a foolish or annoying person', expanding the word's use from an action to a label for a person.