How Do You Spell KILLJOY?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪld͡ʒɔ͡ɪ] (IPA)

Killjoy is spelled with two L's, not one. Despite the pronunciation of the word sounding like "kil-joy," it is actually spelled with a double L, giving it the spelling "killjoy." The IPA phonetic transcription for the word would be /ˈkɪlˌdʒɔɪ/. This may cause confusion for those who are not familiar with English spelling rules, as the "l" sound is not typically followed by another "l" in the middle of words. However, it is important to remember the correct spelling of "killjoy" to ensure clear communication in writing.

KILLJOY Meaning and Definition

  1. A killjoy is a noun that refers to an individual who habitually or intentionally ruins the enjoyment or happiness of others. Derived from the words "kill," meaning to cause the death of, and "joy," representing feelings of delight or pleasure, a killjoy is often described as a spoilsport or a buzzkill. The term typically characterizes someone who seems determined to extinguish the merriment and excitement in social situations.

    A killjoy is known to dampen the atmosphere by interjecting negative or pessimistic comments, displaying a lack of enthusiasm, or dismissing others' ideas and endeavors. This individual has an uncanny ability to identify the flaws or downsides in otherwise joyful circumstances, seizing every opportunity to criticize or denigrate others' happiness.

    Furthermore, a killjoy may also enforce rules and regulations rigidly, removing any trace of spontaneity or enjoyment from a situation. Their constant need to abide by the letter of the law or adhere to strict guidelines can deflate the festive spirit and restrict the freedom of others.

    The term "killjoy" is often used colloquially, primarily in informal and casual contexts. It typically carries a negative connotation, portraying an individual who takes pleasure in spoiling and diminishing the happiness of others. Consequently, being labeled a killjoy is seen as a criticism of someone's personality and behavior, highlighting their penchant for snuffing out the joys and excitement that others embrace.

Top Common Misspellings for KILLJOY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for KILLJOY

Etymology of KILLJOY

The term "killjoy" originated in the early 19th century as a compound word, combining "kill" and "joy". The word "kill" refers to causing death or destruction, and "joy" represents a feeling of great pleasure or happiness. In this context, a "killjoy" is a person who ruins or destroys the joyous atmosphere or mood, often by being overly critical, negative, or spoiling the fun for others. The term is derived from the idea that the person metaphorically kills or extinguishes the joy present in a situation or group.

Similar spelling words for KILLJOY

Plural form of KILLJOY is KILLJOYS

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