'lampoon' originates from French, specifically the word 'lampoon', where it referred to a satirical or abusive piece of writing.

'lampoon' entered English in the mid-17th century from the French word 'lampoon' and developed into both a noun (a satirical attack) and a verb (to satirize or ridicule).

Initially, it meant 'a satirical or abusive written piece,' and over time it also came to be used as a verb meaning 'to publicly ridicule or satirize,' a meaning that remains in modern usage.