Waspish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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waspish

[ˈwɑːspɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavioral description

Waspish describes someone who is irritable or ready to bite back. This term conveys an image of a person who can be quick-tempered, much like a wasp that stings when threatened. It usually relates to a sharp, sarcastic, or cutting manner of speaking.

Synonyms

acrimonious, irritable, sharp-tongued, snappish.

Examples of usage

  • His waspish remarks created a tense atmosphere during the meeting.
  • She had a waspish attitude towards her coworkers after that incident.
  • Despite her waspish exterior, she cared deeply for her friends.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People described as waspish may be experiencing heightened stress or frustration, leading to irritability.
  • Research suggests that mood can significantly affect communication styles, making individuals more likely to lash out emotionally when feeling overwhelmed.

Literature

  • In literature, waspish characters often serve as comic foils, providing sharp wit and humor through their biting remarks.
  • Authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens frequently include waspish characters to highlight social tensions and the nature of personal relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Waspish characters appear frequently in sitcoms, embodying the role of the sarcastic friend or the overbearing relative.
  • Shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation' feature waspish characters who bring humor through their sharp commentary.

Social Interaction

  • Interactions with waspish individuals can lead to misunderstandings, as their sharpness might be taken as genuine hostility.
  • Psychologists suggest that understanding the underlying issues behind waspish behavior can help resolve conflicts in communication.

Origin of 'waspish'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'waspish' comes from the word 'wasp,' which reflects the insect's stingy and aggressive nature.
  • It originated in the late 16th century, implying a person who speaks with a sharp or irritable tone like a wasp sting.

The word 'waspish' originates from the late Middle English period, deriving from the word 'wasp,' which refers to the insect known for its painful sting. The term draws a parallel between the behavior of a person who is quick to anger or harsh in their speech and the aggressive nature of wasps when they feel threatened. The etymology reflects a metaphorical use, emphasizing the sharpness and potential harm in both the insect's sting and the person's words. Over time, 'waspish' has evolved to commonly describe a biting wit or a sardonic sense of humor. It captures the essence of someone who possesses a sharp tongue, often using it to deliver scathing criticism or wit, similar to how a wasp might react defensively.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,918, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.