waspish

This term evokes the image of a wasp's sting, suggesting a personality that is not just angry, but pointedly sharp and quick to attack. It describes a specific kind of irritability characterized by biting sarcasm or sudden, caustic outbursts rather than prolonged rage. Usage is typically negative and often describes a temperament that is habitually prickly. It is frequently applied to social interactions where a person reacts with disproportionate sharpness to a minor slight or a simple question.