Jap

¹ American  

[jap] / dʒæp /

adjective

Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Japanese person.

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JAP ² American  

[jap] / dʒæp /

noun

Slang: Usually Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used to refer to a pampered young Jewish-American woman, especially one who takes material advantages for granted.

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Jap. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. Japan.

2. Japanese.

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JAP ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. slang Jewish American Princess

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Jap ² British  

/ dʒæp /

noun

1. informal short for Japanese

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Jap. ³ British  

abbreviation

1. Japan(ese)

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Sensitive Note

Dating back to the late 19th century, use of this term was originally neutral. But because the Japanese were the enemy during World War II, the term Jap became derogatory.

JAP is a term of mild contempt, used (most often by Jewish people themselves) to refer to a young Jewish woman who is spoiled or indulged. In its reference to a certain stereotype, the word has antisemitic and sexist overtones.

Etymology

Origin of Jap¹

First recorded in 1885–90; shortened form

Origin of JAP²

First recorded in 1965–70; abbreviation of J(ewish) A(merican) P(rincess)

Example Sentences

Smith took a break from Cardiacs in the 90s to work one other musical projects, including Sea Nymphs and Spratleys' Japs, and later worked as a producer, video director and record label boss.

From BBC

He was only 11 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and recalls going to school the next day and friends shunning him as talk spread about “getting those Japs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Around that same year, Trump infamously made a slur against Japanese people by saying, "Who the f knows? I mean, really, who knows how much the Japs will pay for Manhattan property these days?"

From Salon

“Japs bomb Manila, Hawaii” was the headline in one New Mexico paper; “Japanese Planes Bomb Honolulu, Island of Guam” in another in South Carolina.

From The Guardian

Stuff like ‘Kill the Japs — hate — murder’ and a lot of stuff like ‘you are the cream of American youth.’

From New York Times