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spoiler

spoiler

39 3.7
A person who tells important story details and ruins surprises for others
  • noun
  • /ˈspɔɪlər/
  • Texting
translation icon : spoiler
  • But like no spoilers please until the end of the month.
  • spoiler alert

I almost just said a really big spoiler, so I'm going to stop.

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Examples

  • Fortunately, I've been able to avoid spoilers up to this point.

    Blog text (2)
  • No spoilers about last night's game.

  • Make sure that you check spoiler free before you do too much research.

  • Sorry for the spoiler, but it's your fault.

  • Is it really a spoiler alert if the spoiler has been around for nearly 40 years?

    Blog text (4)
  • Well, the show was last night, so it's not really a spoiler.

    Blog text (6)
  • I doubt it's much of a spoiler to say that everyone dies at the end.

    Blog text (5)
  • Editor's Note: This post contains spoilers for the October 28 episode of "Homeland."

    Blog text (2)
  • I went in avoiding all spoilers, and I was frankly devastated.

    Blog text (6)
  • Please avoid giving a spoiler about the movie; I want to be surprised when I watch it.

Synonyms

leaker
vsspoiler
16 7.3

A person who secretly gives private information to people who should not have it

focuses on disclosing story twists that harm enjoyment rather than secret documents
revelator
vsspoiler
8.9

A person who makes hidden facts known to others

reveals plot details and twists that reduce other people's enjoyment
exposer
vsspoiler
6.0

A person who reveals secrets or dishonest acts to the public

reveals narrative surprises that reduce enjoyment rather than expose dishonesty

Compounds

spoiler alert
  • Texting
7 3.9

A warning that someone will tell important story details

How Revealing

spoiler
  • Texting
39 3.7
teaser
  • Literature
18 4.1
hint
153 1.5

Surface Forms

spoiler singular
spoilers plural

Morphology

spoiler = spoil (transparent) = spoil + er

The 'spoiler' who reveals plot details literally 'spoils' the surprise; the agentive formation spoil + -er is straightforward.

Etymology

Spoiler comes from the verb spoil, which means 'to ruin'. If someone tells the ending, they 'spoil' the surprise for others, so a spoiler is a person or message that ruins a plot or surprise.