party pooper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High in informal contexts.Informal, colloquial. Often humorous or mildly critical. Not appropriate for formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “party pooper” mean?
A person who spoils other people's fun, dampens the mood of a celebration, or refuses to join in with the enjoyment of a social gathering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who spoils other people's fun, dampens the mood of a celebration, or refuses to join in with the enjoyment of a social gathering.
More broadly, anyone who expresses negativity or cynicism in a situation intended to be lighthearted or enjoyable, or who actively prevents others from having a good time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally common and understood in both varieties. No significant lexical differences.
Connotations
In both, it carries a slightly childish or playful tone, though it is used by all ages. The image of 'pooping' (defecating) on a party is a silly, exaggerated metaphor for ruining an event.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties within informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “party pooper” in a Sentence
BE a party pooperV:call/label someone a party pooperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “party pooper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He always manages to party poop by bringing up work.
- Stop party pooping and have another drink!
American English
- Don't party poop just because you're tired.
- She totally pooped the party with her negative attitude.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, used only in extremely informal team-building contexts to jokingly admonish someone for not participating in a social event.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Very common in social situations, among friends and family when planning or during an enjoyable event.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “party pooper”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “party pooper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “party pooper”
- Confusing it with 'party animal' (its antonym). Using it in formal contexts. Incorrectly hyphenating as 'party-pooper' (though sometimes seen).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and mildly critical, but its humorous, childish metaphor usually prevents it from being seriously offensive. Tone and context are key.
Yes, informally. 'To party poop' or 'to poop the party' means to act as a party pooper.
It originated in mid-20th century American slang. 'Poop' here is a slang term meaning to defecate, creating a vivid, silly image of ruining a party.
No, the term is gender-neutral. 'Party pooper' applies to anyone regardless of gender.
A person who spoils other people's fun, dampens the mood of a celebration, or refuses to join in with the enjoyment of a social gathering.
Party pooper is usually informal, colloquial. often humorous or mildly critical. not appropriate for formal writing. in register.
Party pooper: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.ti ˈpuː.pə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑːr.t̬i ˈpuː.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be a party pooper!”
- “The party pooper police are here.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone bringing a balloon labelled 'POOP' and popping it at a party, making everyone sad.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A CELEBRATION / SPOILING JOY IS DEFECATING ON THE CELEBRATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST situation to use 'party pooper'?