Wog vs. Wop — What's the Difference?

"Wog" is a pejorative term historically used in the UK and Australia to refer to individuals from Middle Eastern, South Asian, or African descent. It often carries implications of foreignness and otherness. Whereas, "wop" is an ethnic slur used predominantly in the United States to demean Italians, originating from a Southern Italian dialect word meaning ‘guappo’, roughly akin to thug or swaggerer.

In usage, "wog" initially appeared in the early 20th century and was used extensively in the UK to describe non-European immigrants, particularly those from former colonies. On the other hand, "wop" entered American English in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, amid large-scale Italian immigration to the United States, and was used to stereotype Italian immigrants as lower-class and criminal.

The cultural impact of "wog" has been significant in countries like Australia, where it has been used derogatorily but also reappropriated by some communities as a term of self-identification. Conversely, "wop" has remained mostly derogatory with little to no positive reclamation by Italian communities.

Social acceptability of both terms is low, with their use discouraged in formal and polite conversation due to their offensive nature. However, the historical and social contexts of "wog" and "wop" have led to varied levels of sensitivity; "wog" might sometimes appear in colloquial or cultural contexts among reappropriating communities.

Both "wog" and "wop" serve as examples of how language evolves and reflects social attitudes. While both are derogatory, their continued use or rejection in society underscores ongoing issues of race, immigration, and identity.