WASP

What does WASP stand for?

White Anglo-Saxon Protestant

WASP is an acronym that stands for “White Anglo-Saxon Protestant”. It’s a term frequently used on the internet and in messages, especially when talking about race or heritage.

This term is usually aimed at white Americans who have a privileged background. The privilege here refers to wealth, education, Protestant Christianity, and Northern European ancestry.

It’s widely acknowledged that WASPs hold a significant amount of power and influence in the United States. The term isn’t always negative, but it’s often used to highlight the disparity in power distribution across the country.

A typical hotspot for WASPs in the United States is the New England region. States such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are known for their high WASP population.

Example for using ‘WASP’ in a conversation

Hey, have you heard of the term WASP?

Yeah, it stands for “White Anglo-Saxon Protestant”. It’s used to describe a person’s ancestry.

Right! It’s often used to talk about privileged white Americans with wealth, education, and Northern European roots.

Exactly! They are seen as the most influential group in the US. It’s sometimes used to criticize the unequal distribution of power.