Jap

Definition

A Japanese person.

Etymology

Clipping of Japanese, attested as a noun since 1872, and adjectivally since 1878. Compare Nip (shortened from Nipponese).

Example Sentences

• "Among our Japs on board are two returning from Italy, where they have been with silk-worms' eggs, on cards, to sell. This has become a great speculation, and the Japs are going into it with zeal. The Japs almost always—always when they can—take cabin passages ; the Chinese seldom, or never."
• "The Japs had been confident that this first and sudden land grab could be accomplished without their becoming involved in a major war, and they were right."