What does killjoy mean?
A killjoy is a person who dampens the enjoyment, enthusiasm, or optimism of those around them. The word is commonly used for someone who spoils a shared occasion by complaining, insisting on difficulties, or refusing to participate, though it does not necessarily mean that the person has no fun of their own. Its force is usually mild and conversational: calling someone a killjoy suggests that they are making a gathering less cheerful without implying deliberate malice. The term can refer either to a temporary attitude or to a persistent personal trait, as in the phrase “a confirmed killjoy.” In workplace, social, and recreational contexts, it is a vivid alternative to saying that someone is pessimistic, obstructive, or a bad influence on the mood of a group. It can also function as an adjective before a noun, as in “a killjoy comment.”
nounA person whose words or actions spoil the enjoyment or enthusiasm of others. The term often implies excessive seriousness, pessimism, or reluctance to join in.
- A person who spoils others' enjoyment, especially through complaint, pessimism, or refusal to participate.
"His constant complaints about the weather made him a killjoy at every outdoor gathering."
"I didn't want to be a killjoy, but the six-hour delay made the day impossible to enjoy."
"The team's enthusiasm was undermined by one killjoy who kept insisting that the project would fail."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one person who spoils others' enjoyment.
"The children were eager to start the game, but the two killjoys refused to join in."
A killjoy does not have to dislike the occasion; one gloomy remark can be enough to make everyone else regret the invite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does killjoy come from?
“Killjoy” was formed in the early 18th century from “kill,” in the sense of putting an end to, and “joy.” The compound was initially associated with a person or thing that prevented enjoyment, particularly in the context of entertainment and social gatherings. Its second element belongs to the same broad etymological family as “joy,” “enjoy,” and “joyous,” although the modern word has a more specific and unfavorable meaning than those positive terms.
Related word forms
How killjoy is actually used
Generally informal and mildly critical. It is often humorous rather than severely insulting, but it can convey stronger disapproval when someone is accused of consistently discouraging others.
Easily confused with killjoy
A killjoy dampens other people's enjoyment, whereas a spoilsport is especially someone who deliberately disrupts a game or shared activity.