party killer
1
7.2
- noun
- /ˈpɑrti ˈkɪlər/
- Informal
:
aguafiestas
- It's a party-killer, ain't it?
Examples
-
Everyone wanted to have fun, but John was such a party killer that no one could enjoy themselves.
-
She was labeled a party killer after constantly complaining about the loud music at the celebration.
-
When he started talking about politics, he turned into a real party killer and ruined the festive mood.
Synonyms
21
7.9
A person who spoils fun for others
16
6.4
A person who ruins other people's fun at a party
2
6.5
A person who interrupts a meeting or event and causes disorder
1
8.9
Someone or something that spoils excitement
A person who stops others from having fun by complaining
A person or thing that makes a situation less exciting
A person who makes others feel awkward at a social gathering
Antonyms
How Spoiling
- Offensive
8
6.9
- Informal
1
7.2
- Informal
16
6.4
- Informal
27
5.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is derivable by metaphorical extension: 'killer' (one who kills) applied to 'party' suggests someone or something that 'kills' or spoils the party. Because this requires recognizing a non-literal use of 'kill' (to ruin/stop enjoyment) rather than a strictly compositional reading, a B1 learner may often infer it but not always without exposure.
Etymology
Party killer comes from the clear image of someone who kills the party by stopping the fun, for example turning off the music or saying something upsetting. So, it means 'a person or thing that spoils the mood at a social event'.