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

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

In any event, one sees things somewhat differently, especially if the reporting is done with an irreverent eye, a waspish tongue and a “no holds barred” attitude to customary villains, heroes, strategy and tactics.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 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

The waspish TV pundit paid tribute to the show's makers on Twitter, with the help of one of his Strictly catchphrases.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2020

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