what is a wasp (americans)?

Question

i dont mean the insect i mean the term americans mean for someone.. it was mentioned on a couple of american tv programs i watch in england and they seemed to deny that they were one as if it were a bad thing.. what is it??

Answer 1

WASP is a term which originated in the United States. It is an acronym for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant.

The term does not have a precise definition and can be used to describe greatly differing sociological and cultural groups.[1] The WASP acronym originated in reference to White Americans with a history in the upper class establishment, who are alleged to form a powerful elite. However working class whites in the U.S. are not necessarily referred to as WASPs, even if they are Protestants of Anglo-Saxon descent.[1] "WASP" is used in Canada in much the same way as it is used in the U.S.A.

Today, in the U.S. the term white Christian male has come into use, as a result of diminished discrimination against Catholics and other non-WASP white males.[1] The term WASP also includes women, who regardless of ethnic heritage may face some extent of gender-based discrimination.

Strictly speaking, many people now referred to as "WASPs" are not Anglo-Saxon, that is the descendants of some Germanic peoples, who settled in Britain between the 5th century and the Norman Conquest. According to some sources, Anglo-Saxon ancestry is not even dominant in England, which is generally regarded as the Anglo-Saxon heartland.[2] However, in modern North American usage, WASPs may include Protestants, from Dutch, German, Huguenot (French Protestant), Scandinavian, Scottish, Scots-Irish and Welsh backgrounds.[2] Therefore, the term "WASP" is sometimes applied to individuals who are technically non-Anglo-Saxons, including people with:

* Dutch origins, such as the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt families
* German descent, such as the Rockefeller and Astor families.[3]
* Huguenot descent, such as the Du Pont family
* Scots-Irish origins, such as the Mellon family

Answer 2

The common denominator for these types is Christianity. That's where the similarity begins and ends. WASPS control the important aspects of the American economy. Italian Americans are hard workers and stereotyped in a negative way.... having hand gestures, loud and boisterous...and connected somewhat to organized crime. WASPS come off as mild mannered and intellectual, but have a sinister side and cunning...will always rule and have upper hand. Most C.E.O.'s are WASPS.

Answer 3

White Anglo Saxon Protestant, and I'm not American, I'm not even from the USA.
I have also met married couples who were DINKIs - Double Income No Kids.
YUPIs are Young, Upwardly mobile People, although, on a visit to England, I did catch an episode of Coronation Street in which someone said, 'There are no YUPIs in Salford, just "eh 'uppies." '. Possibly the best line in Coronation Street.

Answer 4

White Anglo-Saxon Protestants (People or Person).
It was the preferred type of people that the American government of the 18th and 19th Century wanted and encouraged to emmigrate to America. Mainly Swedes, Norwegians, Danes, Germans and British people.

Answer 5

"White Anglo-Saxon Protestant". It has come to have some derogatory meanings due to the cultural ignorance of SOME... of... us. I'm no longer "religious", but I'm definitely Anglo-Saxon in some of my ancestry. Things have changed a bit though - there's a chance that I might be on BLACK Entertainment Television!

Answer 6

The answer above me got it. It is an acronim for the White Anglo Saxon Protestants. The people who came over on the Mayflower and started religion in America.

Answer 7

White Anglo Saxon Protestant

Answer 8

As above, therefore of British or Low Country European origin.

Answer 9

White, anglo-saxon, protestant. They are believed to be the people in Amercian society who who hold economic and social privileges.

Answer 10

Workplace Analysis Scheme for Proficiency (?)