waspish
pronunciation
How to pronounce waspish in British English:
UK [ˈwɒspɪʃ]
How to pronounce waspish in American English:
US [ˈwɑspɪʃ]
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- Adjective:
- very irritable
Word Origin
- waspish (adj.)
- "irascible, quick to take offense; spiteful," 1560s, from wasp + -ish. Related: Waspishly; waspishness.
Example
- 1. She had a waspish tongue which could hurt .
- 2. He had a sharp , sometimes waspish , wit which made people rather wary of him .
- 3. James palmer 's account of his brutal and ill-starred life is elegant , waspish and evocative .
- 4. The book-written in a waspish style that belies its depth-pays particular attention to brain chemistry .
- 5. Bristly exchanges between the white house and the press ; he became prickly and spiteful ; witty and waspish about his colleagues .