The Wasp — 1881 — page 194: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main content is a satirical "gossip" column titled "Dear Wasp," written in the voice of a society observer. The accompanying illustration shows two women in period dress engaged in conversation, labeled "GOSSIP." The column mocks San Francisco's upper-class social scene, particularly recent gatherings on Rincon Hill and a German reception at Mrs. Nowland's. It ridicules the attendees—wealthy merchants, their wives, and social climbers—for pretentious behavior and dull entertainment. The satire targets both the venue (described as remote and gloomy) and the participants' social aspirations. The secondary content includes "The Devil's Dictionary," a recurring satirical feature defining words mockingly (e.g., "ACCURACY: a certain uninteresting quality carefully excluded from human statements"). Together, these attack San Francisco's emerging leisure class as shallow and affected.