jewish American Princess or JAP (not to be confused with the ethnic slur directed towards people of Japanese nationality) can be taken and meant as an ethno-religious and/or sexist slur used to refer to Jewish women with privileged backgrounds.
The word is intended to promote a
stereotype about young women who have been spoiled by material wealth and overbearing parenting to the point that they are self-absorbed,
high-maintenance, materialistic, and snobby. Since the slur reflects a phenomenon that is not limited to Jewish families, it has also been extended to other ethnic groups.
As with all stereotypes, this one is often the basis for a variety of jokes and contrived but humorous scenarios. Its factual basis seems to stem from the rapid rise to affluence of Jewish families that started out in tenements of New York City, moved to residential,
urban neighborhoods in the city, and then to suburbs on Long Island, northern New Jersey,
Philadelphia and elsewhere in the
United States. The notion is that many who are raised in the affluent environments have lost any sense of continuity with their hardworking
parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
The slur is usually considered offensive both for its sexist and ethnic implications, however, some people self-identify themselves as Jewish American Princesses. Some teenagers use the phrase to describe what clique they belong to, just like a
scene kid or goth, or the style and brands of clothing that they wear.
In well know movie that has jewish American Princess stereotypes.
-In 1979, Frank Zappa wrote and performed a song called Jewish Princess in his album Sheik Yerbouti, making
fun of the
stereotype. Subsequently, 2 Live Jews performed a song called "J.A.P. Rap" in their 1990 album As Kosher As They Wanna Be.
-In 1980, Goldie Hawn portrayed Judy Benjamin in Private Benjamin. In the film, a spoiled rich girl joins the army after her
marriage fails, finds herself in a more difficult situation than she ever expected, and ultimately rises to the occasion.
