'upswept' originates from English, specifically the combination of the prefix 'up-' and the past participle 'swept' of the verb 'sweep,' where 'up-' meant 'toward a higher position' and 'sweep' meant 'to move or pass with a sweeping motion'.

'sweep' comes from Old English 'swēopan' (to sweep); it evolved through Middle English forms such as 'swepen'/'sweepen' to modern English 'sweep.' The adjective 'upswept' developed later by combining 'up-' with the past participle 'swept'.

Initially, the construction meant 'moved or swept upward'; over time it came to be used adjectivally to mean 'styled or arranged upward' (especially of hair).