waspish
/'wɔspiʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Irritable and sharp-tongued: Describes a person who is easily annoyed and expresses this annoyance through sharp, critical, or snappish remarks.
- Characterized by sharp, critical, or spiteful comments: Describes speech, writing, or behavior that is biting, caustic, or maliciously witty.
Usage
The adjective "waspish" is used to describe a person's temperament or the nature of their remarks. It implies a readiness to sting with words, much like a wasp. It is more formal and literary than synonyms like "cranky" or "snappy."
Examples
- Describing a person:
- After a sleepless night, he was feeling particularly waspish.
- The critic was known for his waspish reviews.
- Describing speech or behavior:
- She replied with a waspish comment about his tardiness.
- The debate was filled with waspish exchanges between the candidates.
Advanced Usage
- "waspish wit": A specific type of humor that is clever but sharp, critical, and often hurtful.
- Her novels are admired for their waspish wit and social observations.
Variants and Related Words
- Waspishly (adverb): In a waspish manner.
- "You're late again," she said waspishly.
- Waspishness (noun): The quality of being waspish.
- His waspishness often alienated his colleagues.
Synonyms
- Prickly: Easily irritated.
- Cantankerous: Bad-tempered and argumentative.
- Caustic: Bitterly sarcastic.
- Spiteful: Showing malicious ill will.
Antonyms
- Good-natured: Kind and patient.
- Genial: Friendly and cheerful.
- Amiable: Having a pleasant manner.
Idioms and Phrases
While there are no common idioms using "waspish" itself, the word is often used in contexts that evoke the metaphor of a stinging insect. - To have a waspish tongue: To be habitually sharp and critical in speech. - Be careful what you say; the editor has a waspish tongue.
Adjective
- very irritable
- bristly exchanges between the White House and the press
- he became prickly and spiteful
- witty and waspish about his colleagues