The term “fetish” can have various meanings, including a sexual fantasy, a fixation, or a spiritual object used by the indigenous people of West Africa. The modern definitions stem from its historical use as a charm or sorcery object. The word “fetish” originated from the French “fetiche,” which was borrowed from the Portuguese “feitiço,” both meaning “sorcery.” These terms trace back to the Latin adjective “facticius,” meaning “artificial,” as magicians use artificial means to deceive. Ultimately, the root of “fetish” can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European term “deh,” meaning “set” or “put.” The usage of the word “fetish” reached its peak in 2016 and has since been declining.
