wop
nounUK /wɒp/ · US /wɑp/
Etymology From Neapolitan guappo (“dude, stud”), a greeting borrowed from Spanish guapo (“bold, handsome”). Contrary to popular belief, the term is not an acronym of without passport or working off passage, which are backronyms derived from the term. First attested in New York City around 1906, eventually also spreading to Canada, Australia, and Britain.
- Detective J.J. McVea of the Charles street station, who arrested the boys, says that the robbery of the safe was a remarkable one and showed no trace of amateurism. It was committed by four boys. Besides Lyons and Murphy, he says, there were in it Albert Moquin, 14 years old, of 68 West Third street, and one whom Lyons calls “Oscar the Wop,” or “Oscar the Dago.”1906 February 16, “[arrests for a larceny]”, in The Sun, New York City, U.S.:
- There was a time, not very long ago, when you couldn't find a Wop -- that means an Italian in the latest downtown dialect -- in Danny's resort even by using a microscope. But to-day it's different. The members of the Five Points gang, all dark skinned sons of Sicily, grew tired of flitting from place to place, with no set rendezvous for their nightly gatherings. A number of the Pointers used to frequent the place, and it wasn't long before the entire gang became regulars.1906 November 18, The Sun, New York City, U.S., page 16:
1 more example
- The northern Jews have historical proof of their valor and finesse in the ring, but in recent years the Jews from southeastern Europe, who are popularly supposed to settle their personal differences by pulling each other's hair and weeping, have produced many clever boxers. But who would expect Italy to take a hand in this great Northern game? I have been there twenty times and I never once saw a blow struck with the fist. Yet, there are some very competent Italian fighters. It is hardly possible to go to an entertainment at the 'club' without seeing a wop as he is called by the votaries of the game, matched against a bruiser from the native land of John L. Sullivan.1909 October 9, “NATIONS THAT PRODUCE THE BEST PRIZE FIGHTERS.”, in Brooklyn Times-Union, Brooklyn, New York, U.S., page 13:
- Derived terms
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