'rudeness' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'rudenesse', where 'rude' meant 'unrefined' and '-ness' was a suffix indicating a state or quality.

'rudenesse' transformed into the modern English word 'rudeness' through the influence of Old French 'rude'.

Initially, it meant 'unrefined or crude behavior', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'offensive impoliteness'.