'slat' originates from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, specifically the word 'slat', where it meant 'thin strip' or 'board'.

'slat' changed from Middle English word 'slat' (borrowed from Middle Dutch/Middle Low German 'slat') and possibly influenced by Old Norse 'slatr' meaning 'slab' or 'slice', and eventually became the modern English word 'slat' and its derived forms like 'slatted'.

Initially, it meant 'a thin piece or strip of wood', but over time it also came to refer to items made of such strips (e.g., blinds, benches, fences) and to the action of fitting or covering with such strips ('to slat'), giving the adjective 'slatted'.