killjoy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "killjoy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who dampens the enjoyment or enthusiasm of others, often by being overly serious or critical. Example: "Don't be such a killjoy; let's have some fun at the party!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Condemning one's little treasure to social ostracism by being the playground killjoy who banned presents or refused to hand out the party bag was too much.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their aim is not the "nanny state", a scold and killjoy forcing its charges to eat their vegetables and take their medicine.

The Economist

And it encourages countries to set taxes at a level that will discourage smoking, and to pass laws holding the tobacco industry to account for medical and other costs.In this section Clipping the enemy's wings Killjoy woz here Consanguinity costs Reprints Related items SmokescreensMar 12th 1998That adds up to a lot of nannying.

The Economist

The king's defiance of this view seemed to augur a break from decades of deference by the ruling Al Saud dynasty to killjoy puritans.Saudi Arabia has certainly grown less grim in the reign of King Abdullah, who is now 86.

The Economist

Back then, we described the vision as follows:Their aim is not the "nanny state", a scold and killjoy forcing its charges to eat their vegetables and take their medicine.

The Economist

This may appall killjoy economists such as Robert Frank, the author a few years ago of a book condemning "Luxury Fever" in this new "era of excess".

The Economist

I do not smoke, hunt foxes, drink to excess, or ignore medical advice on diet but that does not make me a killjoy.

The Economist

Allowing anyone to conduct his own impromptu linguistic research, some linguists hope, will do more to popularise their notion of studying the intricacy and charm of language as it really exists, not as killjoy prescriptivists think it should be.

The Economist

Yet at the time he offered little evidence, and came across mainly as a killjoy with nothing good to say about the East Germans' self-liberation.

The Economist

America has morphed in his rhetoric from the source of economic evil to the fount of political wisdom.The trouble with this analogy is not just that Mr Brown is a droning killjoy and Mr Obama is not.

The Economist

Once it was Mr Brown who, with his puritanical strictures on casinos, drugs and booze, was the Malvolio-esque killjoy of British politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "killjoy" to describe someone who actively prevents others from enjoying themselves, not just someone who is serious or introverted.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone a "killjoy" simply because they are serious or not as enthusiastic as others. Ensure they are actively spoiling the fun before using the term.

Linguistic Context

The word "killjoy" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who spoils the pleasure of others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is usable and correct in written English. Examples show it being used to describe individuals or entities that prevent enjoyment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "killjoy" is a commonly used noun that describes someone who spoils the fun or enthusiasm of others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound, it can carry a negative connotation. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Related terms include "spoilsport", "wet blanket", and "party pooper". When using "killjoy", consider whether the person is actively preventing enjoyment or simply has a different disposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoilsport

Direct synonym for someone who ruins the enjoyment of others.

wet blanket

Refers to someone who dampens the mood or enthusiasm.

party pooper

Informal term for someone who ruins a party or gathering.

buzzkill

Slang term for something or someone that ruins excitement or pleasure.

miserabilist

Someone who focuses on the negative aspects of life and spreads gloom.

downer

Informal term for someone or something that is depressing or discouraging.

grinch

Refers to someone who is bad-tempered and spoils the happiness of others, especially during holidays.

dampener

Someone that reduces enthusiasm.

pessimist

Someone who always expects the worst and focuses on the negative.

sourpuss

Informal term for someone with a habitually gloomy or bad-tempered expression.

FAQs

How can I use "killjoy" in a sentence?

You can use "killjoy" to describe someone who spoils the fun or enthusiasm of others. For example, "Don't be such a "killjoy"; let's enjoy the party!"

What are some alternatives to the word "killjoy"?

Alternatives include "spoilsport", "wet blanket", or "party pooper", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "killjoy"?

While "killjoy" is a common word, it can be seen as critical or harsh. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using the term. Sometimes "wet blanket" could be a more polite term.

What's the difference between a "killjoy" and a pessimist?

A "killjoy" actively spoils the fun for others, while a pessimist generally expects negative outcomes. A "pessimist" may not be trying to ruin anyone's enjoyment, but their negative outlook can have that effect. The active disruption of fun is what defines a "killjoy".