'barbedness' originates from English, specifically from the adjective 'barbed' plus the suffix '-ness' (forming a noun meaning 'the state of being barbed'). 'Barbed' itself ultimately comes from Latin 'barba' via Old French 'barbe' meaning 'beard'.

'barbedness' developed from the adjective 'barbed' (formed from the noun 'barb'). 'Barb' came into English from Old French 'barbe', which ultimately derives from Latin 'barba' ('beard'); over time the sense shifted from 'beard' to 'a projecting point' and then to 'a hooked or pointed projection', leading to 'barbed' and later the noun 'barbedness'.

Initially related to Latin 'barba' meaning 'beard'; the sense shifted to 'projecting point' and later to the modern meanings of a physical barb and the figurative sense of 'sharp or cutting remark', which is reflected in 'barbedness'.