fun police

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fun police" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used informally to refer to someone who is perceived as overly serious or who discourages fun or enjoyment in a situation. Example: "I wanted to play music at the party, but Sarah acted like the fun police and insisted on keeping it quiet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The fun police.

The Guardian - Tech

Typical fun police scaremongering.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain, be prepared for the fun police in 2012.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diana Rigg's sailor-mouthed Lady Tyrell was in town to demand the release of Ser Loras (Finn Jones) from his imprisonment by the nutty fun police The Faith Militant.

Independent

Photograph: Daniel Hambury/PA Updated at 2.12pm GMT 1.58pm GMT Fifa's Fun Police strike again Players in this summer's World Cup will be banned from displaying any messages on under-shirts.

The Guardian - Sport

The fun police and also the actual police tried to nip this one in the bud, somewhat inevitably, but like all good ideas that involve alcohol it wasn't long until it prospered.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But enough fun-policing: The bottom line is that a mobile game with the consumer reach of Pokemon Go can have significant impact on the broader ecosystem, even beyond the realm of people directly targeting the market like companion app makers.

TechCrunch

With numerous night-spot closures and near-misses, it increasingly seems that London's nightlife is being run by a cabal of fun-police intent on ruining your vibe.

Vice

Instead of stopping the fun, the police decided to cut loose and join in.

Huffington Post

And like everything else that used to be fun, the police have figured out how to control it.

Vice

He likes having fun," she told police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "fun police", be mindful of your audience and the context to avoid causing unintended offense. It is often perceived as humorous but can be seen as dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "fun police" in formal or serious contexts where a lighthearted approach is inappropriate. Overusing the phrase can also diminish its impact. Use it sparingly for better effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fun police" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used attributively. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to label someone who is perceived as ruining or discouraging enjoyment. Examples show it describing entities from HR departments to regulatory bodies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fun police" is a noun phrase used to describe someone who discourages enjoyment. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media contexts. It is generally employed informally to express disapproval with a humorous undertone. While primarily functioning as a label, be cautious in using it in formal situations to avoid unintended offense. Related phrases such as "joy killer" or "buzzkill" offer alternative ways to convey a similar sentiment. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "fun police" ensures its effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joy killer

Focuses on the act of destroying joy, carrying a slightly stronger negative connotation.

buzzkill

Highlights the act of ruining excitement or enthusiasm.

killjoy

General term for someone who spoils the pleasure of others.

party pooper

Specifically refers to someone who spoils the fun at a party or social gathering.

wet blanket

Emphasizes the dampening effect on enthusiasm or excitement.

spoilsport

Highlights the act of ruining a game or activity due to unsportsmanlike behavior or strict adherence to rules.

the fun patrol

A more playful variation that suggests a group imposing rules on enjoyment.

downer

Refers to someone or something that brings down the mood or creates a negative atmosphere.

moral authority

Someone perceived as enforcing strict or restrictive guidelines on behavior, not necessarily focused on 'fun'.

discipline enforcer

Someone focused primarily on maintaining control and adhering to established norms.

FAQs

How can I use "fun police" in a sentence?

You can use "fun police" to describe someone who is perceived as overly serious or who discourages enjoyment in a situation. For example, "I wanted to tell a joke, but she acted like the "fun police" and insisted on keeping it professional."

What can I say instead of "fun police"?

You can use alternatives like "joy killer", "buzzkill", or "party pooper" depending on the context.

Is "fun police" an offensive term?

"Fun police" is generally considered an informal and humorous term, but it can be offensive if used insensitively or in a formal setting. Consider the context and your audience when using it.

What is the origin of the term "fun police"?

The origin of the term "fun police" is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a colloquial way to describe individuals or groups perceived as overly strict or killjoys.