'unfriend' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' combined with 'friend'.

'unfriend' was popularized in the context of social media in the early 21st century, evolving from the traditional use of 'friend' as a noun.

Initially, it meant 'to cease being friends with someone', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'removing someone from a digital friend list'.