Party pooper
Meaning
Someone who spoils other people's fun or enthusiasm, often by being negative or refusing to participate.
Origin
The very idea of "pooping" on something carries a crude, immediate sense of defilement and ruin. Imagine a playful scene instantly fouled, joy abruptly shattered. This vivid, almost childish imagery, combined with the word "party," took root in American English during the mid-20th century, cementing itself after World War II. It became the perfect, punchy label for that person who, through their negativity, refusal to participate, or general bad mood, metaphorically drops an unwelcome, deflating presence right into the heart of a celebration. They don't just dislike the fun; they actively, almost purposefully, spoil it for everyone else, leaving a lingering sense of awkwardness in their wake.
Examples
- Don't be such a party pooper; everyone else is having a great time dancing.
- He felt like a party pooper for leaving the celebration early due to a headache.