What Does W.A.S.P. Mean?

WASP is an acronym that stands for "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant." It refers to a privileged class of American or Canadian Citizens that are thought to wield significant political and economic power in their respective countries.

Origins

Prior to the 1950s, the term "Anglo-Saxon" was used, instead of WASP, to describe the same group of elitists. However, in the late '50s and early '60s, the words "White" and "Protestant" sandwiched the phrase, allowing for a memorable acronym.

History in Print

WASP first appeared in an article written by Andrew Hacker for the "American Political Science Review" in 1957. However, the term did not become popular until 1964, with the publishing of E. Digby Baltzell's "The Protestant Establishment: Aristocracy & Caste in America."

Characteristics

The characteristics typical of a WASP include: "old" money, a Northern European (particularly English) cultural heritage, ivy-league education and Protestantism. Hence, although white, Roman Catholics and Jews are not considered WASPs.

Current Usage

Although initially used by WASPs as a way to differentiate themselves from other whites of different backgrounds, the term, today is typically used only by outsiders. It has become a pejorative, referencing the power held by the white upper class.

References

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: WASP
• The Wall Street Journal: "That Bright, Dying Star, the American WASP." Robert Frank; May 2010.
• Encyclopedia Brittanica: E. Digby Baltzell