'uncut' originates from Old English elements: the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' combined with the word 'cut' (Middle English 'cutten'), where 'cut' meant 'to cut or divide.'

'uncut' appeared in Middle English (forms such as 'uncut' or 'uncutte') by combining the negative prefix 'un-' with the verb 'cut' (Middle English 'cutten', a word influenced by Old Norse/Scandinavian forms). Over time the spelling and use stabilized into the modern English 'uncut.'

Initially it meant simply 'not cut' (physically not severed or divided). Over time its use expanded metaphorically to mean 'not edited or censored' and specialized senses such as 'not polished' (of gemstones).