Definition

1. Noun (Vulgar, Slang):
   • A "wet blanket" or "killjoy": A person who habitually dampens enthusiasm, fun, or enjoyment for others; someone who is pessimistic, gloomy, or disapproving in social situations.
   • A bore or a drag: An individual whose presence or attitude makes an event or atmosphere less lively or enjoyable.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Đừng mời anh ấy đi tiệc, anh ấy đúng là một cây buồn. (Don't invite him to the party, he's a real killjoy.)
  • Cô ấy lúc nào cũng phàn nàn, thật sự là cây buồn. (She's always complaining, she's such a wet blanket.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is considered informal and vulgar. It is used in colloquial speech to criticize someone's negative effect on a social atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Kẻ phá đám (n): party pooper, spoilsport.
  • Hắn là một kẻ phá đám chuyên nghiệp. (He is a professional spoilsport.)

Synonyms

• Wet blanket: A person who spoils other people's fun.
• Killjoy: A person who deliberately spoils the enjoyment of others.
• Spoilsport: A person who behaves in a way that spoils others' pleasure.
• Downer: A person or thing that makes people feel depressed or discouraged.

Related Idioms

• Giết không khí: Literally "to kill the atmosphere"; to ruin the mood.
  • Câu chuyện của anh ta giết không khí vui vẻ. (His story killed the happy atmosphere.)