'irony' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'eirōneia,' where 'eirōn' meant 'dissembler.'

'eirōneia' transformed into the Latin word 'ironia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'irony' through Old French 'ironie.'

Initially, it meant 'dissimulation or feigned ignorance,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing the opposite of what is meant.'