party pooper

or par·ty-poop·er

[ pahr-tee poo-per ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a person who does not have the interest or vitality to participate actively in a party or other social activity and whose mood, attitude, or personality lessens others' enjoyment; killjoy:

   Don't be a party pooper—have a beer!

2. a person who does not share the opinions, ideas, or enthusiasm of others in a group: I don’t mean to be a party pooper here, but I didn’t find the movie all that funny.

   There are party poopers who say the drop in gas prices won’t last.

   I don’t mean to be a party pooper here, but I didn’t find the movie all that funny.

party pooper

/ ˈpuːpə /

noun

1. informal.
   a person whose behaviour or personality spoils other people's enjoyment

Word History and Origins

Origin of party pooper¹

First recorded in 1940–45; poop ³ + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of party pooper¹

C20: originally US

Example Sentences

But at the risk of being a party pooper, let’s not forget that we’re all dying.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe there are ways not to be a party pooper, but to still have something pretty in the sky to look at, and not cause a big amount of pollution,” she said.

From New York Times

Ricci: So, I always joke that I identify as a party pooper and a contrarian.

From Los Angeles Times

The wannabe party pooper finally emerged last week at the Washington Post in an opinion column headlined, "Real people don't care about George Santos."

From Salon

“I hate being a party pooper. I want my son to have deep and meaningful friendships,” she says.

From Washington Post