'mediocre' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'mediocris', where 'medius' meant 'middle' and 'ocris' meant 'rugged mountain'.

'mediocris' transformed into the French word 'médiocre', and eventually became the modern English word 'mediocre' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'of middle height or degree', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'of only moderate quality'.