wet blanket

¹

noun

1. a blanket dampened with water so as to extinguish a fire.
2. a person or thing that dampens enthusiasm or enjoyment:

   Nobody asked him to join the group because he's such a wet blanket.

wet-blanket

²

[ wet-blang-kit ]

verb (used with object)

1. to extinguish (a fire) with a wet blanket.
2. to dampen the enthusiasm or enjoyment of (a person, group, etc.).

wet blanket

noun

1. informal.
   a person whose low spirits or lack of enthusiasm have a depressing effect on others

wet blanket

1. Someone who dampens enthusiasm: “We were all having a good time until Harold walked in and started acting like a wet blanket.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wet blanket¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Origin of wet blanket²

First recorded in 1865–70

Idioms and Phrases

A person who discourages enjoyment or enthusiasm, as in Don't be such a wet blanket—the carnival will be fun! This expression alludes to smothering a fire with a wet blanket. [Early 1800s]