'ghoulish' originates from the Arabic word 'ghūl', where 'ghūl' meant 'demon or monster'.

'ghūl' transformed into the French word 'goule', and eventually became the modern English word 'ghoul', from which 'ghoulish' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'demon or monster', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'morbidly interested in death or disaster'.