the term is a modern american english compound, formed by combining three distinct elements. the core concept of 'class', from latin 'classis' (a division of the roman people, later a rank), is prefixed with 'under' to denote a lower rank or year. the suffix 'man' functions as a general agent noun, specifying the person belonging to this lower division. thus, the literal construction 'lower-rank-person' evolved specifically within the u.s. educational system to designate a freshman or sophomore, in contrast to an 'upperclassman'.

Structure: under + class + man under (old english; meaning 'beneath, lower in position or rank'), class (latin via french; meaning 'a division or rank'), man (old english; meaning 'a person, human being').