WASP

/wɔsp/

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stinging insect: A wasp is a flying insect, typically with a slender body, a narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen, and often a powerful sting. Many species are social, living in colonies, while others are solitary.
   • A member of a specific social group (acronym): WASP is an acronym for "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant," historically used to describe white Americans of English Protestant ancestry who were part of the dominant social class.

Examples

• Noun (Insect):
  • A wasp built a nest under our eaves.
  • She was stung by a wasp while gardening.
• Noun (Acronym):
  • The novel explores the traditions of the WASP establishment in New England.
  • Historically, many country clubs had a predominantly WASP membership.

Advanced Usage

• "Wasp waist": A very slender waist, reminiscent of the insect's narrow abdomen.
  • The Victorian dress emphasized a wasp waist.
• To be "waspish" (adjective derived from the insect's nature): To be sharp-tempered or snappish.
  • Her waspish reply silenced the room.

Variants and Related Words

• Waspy (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of WASPs (the social group).
  • He attended a waspy boarding school.
• Waspish (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a wasp; irritable, sharp-tongued.
  • The critic was known for his waspish wit.

Synonyms

• Insect: Hornet, yellowjacket.
• Social Group (context-dependent): Establishment, patrician (note: these are conceptual synonyms, not direct equivalents).

Related Phrases

• Wasp nest: The structure where wasps live.
  • We had to call an exterminator to remove the wasp nest.
• Wasp sting: The injury caused by a wasp.
  • He applied a cold compress to the wasp sting.

Học thuật

Noun

1. social or solitary hymenopterans typically having a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and having a formidable sting
2. a white person of Anglo-Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination

Từ đồng nghĩa

• WASP
• white Anglo-Saxon Protestant