The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word WASPISH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
W
A
S
P
I
S
H
More clues leading to the result WASPISH
- Apt to see red snake, in fancy
- Likely to see red snake in fancy
- “Crotchety” used to be an expression of contempt
- Tetchy self-righteous son occupying shower?
- Tart with desire to embrace Egyptian poisoner
- Irritable snake consumed by desire
- Want to trap serpent that’s ill-tempered
- Desire to restrict snake’s stinging
- Want to shut up snake that’s venomous
- Spiteful saying backed with ridicule
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "ill-tempered" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ill-tempered = waspish.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WASPISH mean?
WASPISH adjective- Suggestive of the behaviour of a wasp.
- Spiteful or irascible.