From the English word “WhatsApp”, derived from the expression of the same language, “What’s up?”, -which means: What’s up? – The noun «wasap» proceeds, which has been admitted into the Spanish language, according to the parameters established by the Orthography of the Spanish language. Since it is immediately related to the instant messages sent by the application: “WhatsApp”, which, in turn, is formed with the word “what”, which in English means: “what”, and the abbreviation “app », from: «application», which in Spanish translates to: «application».
But, various criticisms have been made about it. Well, different institutes do not accept the use of the term: “wasap”. Therefore, they advise that the original term be used, that is, “WhatsApp”, alluding to the application’s trademark. Well, when using the word “wasap”, a colloquial expression is emphasized, leaving aside the origin of the application.
However, the Fundéu BBVA (Fundación del Español Urgente) recommends the use of the terms “wasap” and “wasapear”, since they are adequate adaptations of the English word. In the same way, it emphasizes that it is not relevant to indicate it with italics or bold type.
What do you need to write wasap?
Instructions to write whatsapp
Various terms have been derived from the commercial word: “WhatsApp”. Some have been adopted by various countries, according to criteria established by the different Spanish-speaking institutes. While others reject the version of the word by colloquial terms. Thus, positive and negative opinions have originated in this regard, and the entities have manifested themselves. For this reason, we will explain to you below: “How do you write WASAP?”
- Origin: «WhatsApp», is a word that originates from the pun of the British expression: «What’s up?», which in Spanish translates to: “What’s up?”, “How are you?” or “How are you doing?” All, with the same interrogative sense.
- Formation: the term “WhatsApp”, coming from the commercial instant messaging application of the same name, is formed by the words: “WHAT” -‘what’, in Spanish and the abbreviation “APP” -‘application’-.
- Neither italics nor quotation marks: currently, it is correct to use the words “wasap” and “wasapear” -derived verb-, therefore, in a sentence, phrase and/or expression, it is not necessary to state with quotation marks and/or italics, since, attention would be drawn to the word, and the ideal is to integrate it without generating criticism.
- Examples: I have received a wasap; send me a whatsapp lend me your phone to send a wasap. Stop wasaping in class.
Tips for writing wasap
The adaptation of words in English has been studied by the foundations in charge of studying the Spanish language. Motivating people to adopt terms of the language, and avoiding the use of foreign words. For example: «shampoo», at the Spanish level, it is said: «shampoo». These have been some of the many words that have been appropriated. Therefore, previously, we mentioned: “How do you write WASAP?”. And then we will point out some useful tips:
- It should be noted that, throughout the article, boldface and quotation marks were used to refer to the words “wasap” and “wasapear”, to discuss the issue and conclude it. However, for the purposes of everyday and colloquial writing, it is not to do so.
- Encourages the use of Spanish words, less foreign words.
- Feel free to use both terms.
- When you are going to refer to the application, it is correct to call it by its commercial name, that is, “WhatsApp”, because the original brand must be respected.
- Don’t correct someone who is using the terms, they are absolutely correct.
- Little by little, integrate the terms into your regular writing. However, it is not essential, if it is not to your liking.