the word 'waspy' is a modern english formation, directly combining the noun 'wasp' with the productive adjectival suffix '-y'. the base noun 'wasp' has a deep germanic lineage, tracing back to proto-germanic wabis- and ultimately to the pie root wops-, meaning 'weaver', likely in reference to the insect's nest-building habits. the suffix '-y' is equally ancient, descending from the common germanic adjectival suffix -igaz. the semantic logic is transparent: the primary meaning describes physical resemblance to the insect. the secondary, informal meaning is a metaphorical extension from the acronym 'wasp' (white anglo-saxon protestant), applying the same suffix to denote characteristics stereotypically associated with that social group.

Structure: wasp (wasp) + y (adjective suffix) wasp (from old english wæps, wæsp, of west germanic origin; the insect). y (from old english -ig, an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'characterized by; full of; having the qualities of').