killjoy

Everyday

(informal) A killjoy is a person who spoils other people's fun, often by being grumpy or too strict. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday talk and stories: «Don't be such a killjoy!» It tells the reader someone is stopping fun, though sometimes the «killjoy» is just being sensible about safety.

Examples

• Don't be a killjoy, come and play! tree →
• My brother called me a killjoy when I said it was bedtime. tree →
• The killjoy turned the music off. tree →
• He's not a killjoy, he's just worried about safety. tree →
• The old caretaker was a killjoy about ball games. tree →
• Nobody likes to be called a killjoy. tree →

Note

Plural: killjoys. Informal. Similar: spoilsport, wet blanket.