Japs

Japs is an ethnic slur historically used to refer to Japanese people. The term is a shortening of "Japanese" that emerged in English in the late 19th century and gained currency in the early 20th century. Its usage surged during World War II among Allied and Axis audiences in propaganda, news reports, and casual speech, where it functioned as a demeaning label associated with wartime hostility. Because it relies on national or ethnic identity and conveys contempt, it is widely regarded as a racial slur.

Modern guidelines across journalism, academia, and government condemn the term as offensive and inappropriate. Use of "Japs" can elicit harm, reinforce stereotypes, and perpetuate prejudice. In many contexts, the term is taboo, and its use may be met with reprimand or correction. Some historical accounts and older texts mention the word to reflect past attitudes, but they typically frame it critically.

When referring to people, neutral terms such as "Japanese people" or "people of Japan" are preferred. If discussing the term itself, it should be identified as a slur and described with care, noting its offensiveness and historical context. Reclaiming usage is not common or widely accepted, and the term is generally avoided in contemporary speech.