Historically an acronym for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, but used traditionally and frequently to mean White Affluent Schooled Person(s), regardless of a precise national origin or specific christian denomination or religion. Especially relevant in references to persons or families with old money ties in positions of certain power.

Commonly used with an inherently negative connotation by non-WASPS.

The term is often associated and used interchangeably in reference to the perceived subculture of "Prep", "Preppy", "Prepdom" because of historical and unmistakable ties.

"WASP" has not been attempted to be commercialized as greatly as the perceived "PREP" lifestyle by clothing companies which attempt to sell a lifestyle through mere clothing to the aspiring common populace for monetary gain as opposed to accurately representing the reality of exclusivity.

Historically an acronym for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, but used traditionally and frequently to mean White Affluent Schooled Person(s), regardless of a precise national origin or specific christian denomination or religion. Especially relevant in references to persons or families with old money ties in positions of certain power, notably those residing in certain pockets on the East Coast.

Commonly used with an inherently negative connotation by non-WASPS.

The term is often associated and used interchangeably in reference to the perceived subculture of "Prep", "Preppy", "Prepdom" because of historical and unmistakable ties.

The acronym "wasp" has not become commercialized as greatly as the perceived "prep" lifestyle through clothing companies which try to sell this lifestyle to the aspiring common populace who strive to overcome the reality of exclusivity.

Originally worn by sporty preppies (usually while playing tennis) as a means to cover their neck from the sun; a common style amongst preppies for decades that has recently - and unfortunately - been hijacked by more urban, trendy, new-age and metrosexual styles that contradict the traditional lack of trendiness characteristic of true prepdom.

A prep can take on several forms, but it is most certainly not someone who shops at american eagle, hollister, areo, or abercrombie since 1970. Its a person who comes from a upper class, established family who dresses and lives in a conservative american style. I like to break the prep genre down into three classes:

1) Coastal Sea-farer: A person from an upper class family usually from the New England coast who enjoys boating (sailboats and yachts). Typically has attended a NE boarding school and private college, this education needed to handle their parents' fortune. Can be seen wearing vineyard vines, polo, lacoste, brooks brothers, and anything associated with sailing. When not on the water drives a Land Rover or Mercades. Lives on the coast but does not associate with beach bums or the surfing types, only with other sea-farer families. Family may be established in business, politics, or medicine. See the Kennedy family or the Cleary family from "Wedding Crashers"

2. Country Clubber: Person who can be found at the high end country clubs in most major american cities, though I believe they may be stronger in the south. Grow up at the local private school and wear polo, brooks brothers, lacoste, and other country club attire, drives a BMW. Lives in the high society of their community where the deb ball is more important than the prom and appearance is high on the list of priorities. Plays mostly golf and tennis, though they might suck at both.

3. Outdoor...

This is written from a fourteen year old prep, thus it pertains to a younger prep crowd. Preppiness is more an attitude than a per say, "a clothing style". However, you cannot consider yourself a prep without having the proper attire. First of all, as for high school preps, you CANNOT get away with wearing Aero. It's the cheapest imitation of prep style there is, sorry. American Eagle is alright for a pair of jeans or a hoodie to lounge around your house in, but just go and buy at least Victoria's Secret Pink sweats. You have to wear Ralph Lauren Polo, there's no other way around it. Lacoste is a must also. You can totally get away with wearing Abercrombie & Fitch at this age- $50 for a polo is about as much as Vineyard Vines and Abercrombie is an older brand, not some new store. Hollister is okay, it's inbetween AE and A&F. However, dressing in only these brands prevents you from being a prep. Preps have style, we wear our Tiffany's & Co. charm bracelets & matching neckleces, monogramed of course. Pearls have become overated because fakes are so prevelant. There are specific color schemes we adore. Navy & white, black & white, pink & green, and navy & pink are always great choices. We don't dye our hair outrageous colors and our hair doesn't look overprosessed. Other brands you can wear are Izod, Juicy Couture, ABS, , Calvin Klein, Guess (sometimes...), DKNY, C&C, Sevens, Seven7's, Gap, Banana Republic, Nauctica, Express, bebe, Hilfiger, Burberry, and all...

Preps: People who would be denounced as uncomfortably middle-class if they lived in England, but reside in America, and as such it's considered perfectly acceptable for them to have endless quantities of time and money to spend, 99% of it going on themselves.

In brief, someone who adheres to the upper class "WASPy" lifestyle of New England or the United Kingdom (keep in mind the prep lifestyle is not explicitly limited to these areas). Preps almost always come from "old money" families and attend or have attended preparatory schools.

Preps work hard and play hard, showing a keen interest in academics as well as sports, particularly English sports such as Golf, Tennis, Polo, Squash, Sailing, etc.

Ivy League educations are common among preps, although it is said by some that some of the smaller, liberal arts colleges in the northeast such as Amherst are far more preppy than Harvard could ever be. The equivalents across the Atlantic include Cambridge, Oxford, and to a lesser extent, the Sorbonne in France.

Contrary to popular belief, preps do not wear mall-brand clothes from Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, American Eagle Outfitters, and Aeropostale, but from classic brands such as L.L. Bean, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, J. Press, and Lacoste. The preppy looks is sophisticated, yet understated. Since most preps come from wealth, their privilege is appreciated, but not flaunted.

There are certain concepts that are essential to being preppy, including (but not limited to): having appreciation for sport, knowing why wearing sandals in the middle of a rainy October day is just plain fun, and that "summer" is a verb, not just a noun.

I know this so well because I am one of these "preps".