spoilsport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, slightly old-fashioned
Quick answer
What does “spoilsport” mean?
A person who spoils the enjoyment or pleasure of others, especially by refusing to join in an activity or by being overly strict about rules.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who spoils the enjoyment or pleasure of others, especially by refusing to join in an activity or by being overly strict about rules.
Someone whose actions or attitudes, often motivated by a desire to enforce rules, moral superiority, or simply a lack of fun, dampen the mood or ruin a shared experience for a group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English, but well-understood in both.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, more likely in spoken, informal contexts. Considered a classic, slightly dated term.
Grammar
How to Use “spoilsport” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/acts like a spoilsport.Don't be such a spoilsport!They called her a spoilsport for [reason].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoilsport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He always has to spoilsport our plans.
- Stop spoilsporting!
American English
- She spoilsported the whole party by leaving early.
- Quit spoilsporting and have a drink.
adverb
British English
- He said, rather spoilsport, that we should all go home.
- She shook her head spoilsportly.
American English
- He spoilsportly reminded us of the deadline.
- She acted spoilsportishly.
adjective
British English
- He gave a very spoilsport reply.
- That's a bit of a spoilsport attitude.
American English
- She made a spoilsport comment about the noise.
- Don't be so spoilsport about it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used humorously to chide a colleague who vetoes a social team event.
Academic
Extremely rare; inappropriate for formal writing.
Everyday
Primary context. Used among friends, family, and in social situations.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spoilsport”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spoilsport”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoilsport”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling as two words: "spoil sport".
- Confusing with 'poor sport' (someone who reacts badly to losing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is critical and disapproving, but not a severe insult. It's often used in a teasing, slightly childish way among friends, but can cause offence if said seriously.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'Don't spoilsport our fun'), but this is non-standard. The noun form is by far the most common and accepted.
They are very close synonyms. 'Spoilsport' often implies ruining a specific game or activity, while 'killjoy' can refer to ruining a more general mood or atmosphere. They are frequently interchangeable.
Yes, but primarily in informal, social contexts. It has a slightly nostalgic or classic feel to it. Adults might use it humorously or when chiding children.
A person who spoils the enjoyment or pleasure of others, especially by refusing to join in an activity or by being overly strict about rules.
Spoilsport is usually informal, slightly old-fashioned in register.
Spoilsport: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪl.spɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪl.spɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't be a spoilsport!”
- “Act the spoilsport”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone SPOILing the SPORT (fun/game) for everyone else.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A GAME / A COLLECTIVE ACTIVITY. A spoilsport is one who breaks the rules of this game of enjoyment.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is someone MOST likely to be called a 'spoilsport'?