'heart-pounding' originates from the combination of 'heart' and 'pound,' where 'heart' refers to the organ and 'pound' means to beat heavily or rapidly.

'heart-pounding' evolved from the literal description of a heart beating rapidly due to excitement or fear, eventually becoming a figurative expression for thrilling experiences.

Initially, it described the physical sensation of a rapidly beating heart, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of thrilling or exciting.