A party pooper is an informal term for someone who spoils other people's enjoyment, typically by refusing to participate, acting negatively, or leaving early. They dampen the mood of a gathering, often by being gloomy or disapproving. It is commonly used to describe someone preventing others from having fun.
Usage Examples
- "Come and join the game, don't be a party pooper!"
- "I don't want to be a party pooper, but I think we should turn down the music".
- "She was a real party pooper for wanting to leave before the cake".
Synonyms
- Killjoy
- Spoilsport
- Wet blanket
- Buzzkill
- Stick-in-the-mud
- Misery
The term originated in the United States in the early 1940s, likely derived from the idea of someone metaphorically "pooping" (or failing) at the party.
