waspish

¹ American  

[wos-pish] / ˈwɒs pɪʃ /

adjective

1. like or suggesting a wasp, especially in behavior.

2. quick to resent a trifling affront or injury; snappish.

   Synonyms:

   resentful

3. irascibly or petulantly spiteful.

   waspish writing.

   Synonyms:

   touchy, testy

4. having a slight or slender build.

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Waspish ² American  

[wos-pish] / ˈwɒs pɪʃ /

Or WASPish

adjective

1. Waspy.

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waspish British  

/ ˈwɒspɪʃ /

adjective

1. relating to or suggestive of a wasp

2. easily annoyed or angered

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Other Word Forms

• WASPishly adverb
• WASPishness noun
• Waspishly adverb
• Waspishness noun
• waspishly adverb
• waspishness noun

Etymology

Origin of waspish¹

First recorded in 1560–70; wasp + -ish ¹

Origin of Waspish²

First recorded in 1965–70; WASP + -ish ¹

Example Sentences

Massie could be a waspish commentator and was unsparing in his political commentary.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

And this was one of the least waspish awards shows in memory, with few jokes at the expense of actors or shows, apart from one about “The Bear” being a comedy without jokes.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024

“Umm, yes, a little waspish by my usual standards,” Mr. McManus allowed, sipping his beer and adding with a laugh, “it’s a bit hard to come back from that.”

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

She dissects many flavors of contemporary delusion and distraction with consummate precision and yet never comes across as waspish or savage.

From Slate • Jul. 13, 2021

Snape prowled through the fumes, making waspish remarks about the Gryffindors’ work while the Slytherins sniggered appreciatively.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling