Word Usage – Differences Between ‘Killjoy’, ‘Party Pooper’, and ‘Wet Blanket’ in American English

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I was wondering how the following terms differ semantically?
Are they quite interchangeable (in AE)? If no, them please let me know what is the difference between them:

Killjoy: One who spoils the enthusiasm or fun of others.

Party pooper: someone who spoils other people’s fun.

Wet blanket: Someone who ruins other people's fun.

Also, I think they are all in common use in everyday American English. If they aren't, then please define the uncommon ones.

Best Answer

They're pretty much synonymous. As the-baby-is-you says, "party pooper" is a phrase that children use more than adults, or if an adult uses it, it is more light-hearted than the others.

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