The word "stolid" comes from the Latin word "stolidus," which means "dull" or "insensible." It was first used in English in the 16th century, retaining its sense of expressing little or no emotion or sensibility. The Latin "stolidus" itself likely comes from a Proto-Indo-European root that is also the source of words related to standing firm or being steadfast, aligning with the notion of having an impassive or unemotional demeanor.