Killjoy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚫

Add to dictionary

killjoy

[ˈkɪlˌdʒɔɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

A person who spoils other people's enjoyment or pleasure, especially by being negative or critical.

Synonyms

party pooper, spoilsport, wet blanket.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
killjoy	Use this word when referring to someone who ruins the happiness or excitement of others because of their lack of enthusiasm or a sour attitude. Don’t be such a killjoy, come join us! Her constant complaints made her a real killjoy.
spoilsport	Usually applied to someone who spoils the fun for others, often by not participating or by being overly critical. Come on, don't be a spoilsport and join the game! Her negativity made her seem like a spoilsport.
wet blanket	Commonly used to describe someone who discourages others from having fun or enjoying themselves, often due to pessimism or pragmatism. Stop being such a wet blanket and dance! His serious demeanor made him the wet blanket of the group.
party pooper	This term is often used in informal settings to describe someone who dampens the fun or excitement at parties or social gatherings. Why are you being a party pooper? It’s just a game. He’s always the party pooper who leaves early.

Examples of usage

He's such a killjoy, always finding something wrong with everything.
Don't be a killjoy, let's just enjoy the party.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

game

In some video games, a character who specializes in hindering the progress or enjoyment of the opposing team.

Synonyms

disruptor, saboteur, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
killjoy	Used for a person who spoils the fun or enjoyment of others, typically by expressing disapproval or dampening enthusiasm. Don't be such a killjoy; just join the party and have fun. Everyone was excited about the trip, but Tom acted like a killjoy and complained about everything.
saboteur	Used for someone who intentionally causes damage or hinders an operation, often in a secretive or covert manner. This term generally implies harmful intent. The investigation revealed that the fire was started by a saboteur. During the war, saboteurs played a crucial role in hindering enemy operations.
disruptor	Used for someone or something that interrupts or causes a disturbance in a situation, often targeting industry norms or established patterns. Startups often aim to be disruptors in their fields, bringing innovative solutions to old problems. Her ideas were seen as those of a disruptor, challenging the conventional ways of doing things.
troublemaker	Used for a person who deliberately causes problems or disturbances, often to instigate conflict or disorder. This term typically carries a negative connotation. The teacher warned the class that troublemakers would be sent to the principal's office. John was known as the troublemaker in his group, always stirring up arguments.

Examples of usage

The enemy team's killjoy kept destroying our equipment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In movies and literature, killjoy characters often serve as antagonists, opposing the fun-loving protagonist.
The term is frequently used in social media to describe people who disapprove of fun activities or events.
Some songs and comedic performances utilize the concept of a killjoy to create humor about social norms.

Psychology

Killjoy behavior can stem from various emotions, such as jealousy or insecurity, impacting others' joy.
Social psychologists study how group dynamics can create perceived killjoys who disrupt collective enjoyment.
Understanding the motive behind killjoy behavior can enhance interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.

Literature

Killjoy archetypes appear frequently in classic literature, often representing societal limitations to happiness.
Authors like Jane Austen used killjoy characters to critique class norms and societal expectations in her narratives.
Killjoy figures often lead to character growth by challenging protagonist motivations and desires.

Cultural Perspectives

Culturally, the idea of a killjoy can differ; some cultures embrace spirited expression, while others may highlight decorum.
In some contexts, being a 'killjoy' is seen as a necessary responsibility to maintain order and appropriateness.
Celebrations and festivities can be disrupted by killjoy attitudes, leading to discussions about the balance between freedom and propriety.

Origin of 'killjoy'

Main points about word origin

The term 'killjoy' originated in the 18th century, initially used in British English.
It combines 'kill', meaning to stop something, and 'joy', meaning happiness.
The word reflects a broader cultural concern with maintaining joy in social contexts.

The term 'killjoy' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'kill' (meaning to destroy) and 'joy' (meaning happiness or pleasure). It was initially used to describe a person who destroys the joy or pleasure of others. Over time, the term has evolved to also refer to a character in video games who hinders the progress or enjoyment of others.

See also: kill, killdeer, killer, killing, overkill.